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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-02 01:21:33 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-02 01:21:33 -0800 |
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diff --git a/old/62181-h/62181-h.htm b/old/62181-h/62181-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 2cc08e3..0000000 --- a/old/62181-h/62181-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14938 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Arnold's Tempter, by Benjamin F. Comfort. - </title> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2{ - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; page-break-after: always;} -div.titlepage p {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 2em;} - - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} - - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - - .tdr {text-align: right;} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} - - - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - - -.large {font-size: 125%;} - -.gap {padding-left: 2em;} -.gap2 {padding-left: 4em;} -.gapright {margin-right: 4em;} - - - -.caption {font-weight: bold; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2em;} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold;} -.ph2 {text-align: center; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - margin-top: 2em; -} - - -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -2.5em; padding-left: 3em;} -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .center {text-align: center;} -.poetry .indent {text-indent: 1.5em;} -.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: 2.5em;} -.poetry .indent4 {text-indent: 4.5em;} -.poetry .first {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - </style> - </head> -<body> -<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 62181 ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_0" id="Page_0"></a></span></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">“This is a great pleasure to see you again.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>ARNOLD’S<br /> -TEMPTER</h1> - -<p><i>By</i><br /> -<span class="large">Benjamin F. Comfort</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_titlelogo.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p>THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO.<br /> -<span class="smcap">Boston, Massachusetts</span><br /> -1908</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<p class="center"> -<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1908</span><br /> - -BY<br /> - -<span class="smcap">The C. M. Clark Publishing Co.</span><br /> - -<span class="smcap">Boston, Massachusetts</span><br /> - -U. S. A.<br /> -<br /> -All Rights Reserved</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><b> -<i>Dedicated to<br /> -My Wife<br /> -A. C. C.</i></b></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak"> -ILLUSTRATIONS</h2></div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" summary="table"> - - - -<tr><td><a href="#Page_0"><i>Frontispiece</i>,</a> “This is a great pleasure to see you again”</td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td class="tdr"><i>Page</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Mollie Greydon</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34"> 34</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Two girls were seeking wild strawberries on the banks -of the Wingohocking</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_148"> 148</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“Have we the pleasure of the gentleman’s name and -occupation?” quizzed the old man</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_178"> 178</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Barclugh simply sat back and laughed till he was tired -out</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_222"> 222</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Captain Risk engaged two seamen, cutlass in one hand -and pistol in the other</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_275"> 275</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>She noticed how longingly he watched her depart</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333"> 333</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Mollie put down her needle-work and ran to meet her</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_360"> 360</a></td></tr> - -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span> - - - -<p class="ph1">ARNOLD’S TEMPTER</p> - - - -<h2 class="nobreak"> -CHAPTER I</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Roderick Barclugh</span> was invited to dine with -the FitzMaurices and Benedict Arnold was to -meet him.</p> - -<p>The arrival in Philadelphia of a gentleman with -credentials from Dr. Franklin to the Secretary of -Congress, who had much influence with the French -Court, and who had bills of exchange for twenty -thousand pounds sterling created stirring comment -among the fashionables. He was to meet without -delay the choice spirits on the inside of Philadelphia’s -aristocratical party.</p> - -<p>Robert FitzMaurice’s mansion, to which had -been made great additions, to suit the tastes of -the new proprietor, was an old Colonial landmark. -The ambition of this merchant prince -and financier had ever been to establish his family -and his fortunes under the English system of -aristocracy, upon such a grand scale of magnificence -that he could claim all the blandishments of a -crest and a title which, of course, belong to a -person of substance. His entertainments were -numerous, and there gathered all the intriguers -in and out of Congress,—those who sanctioned -the Revolution on political grounds but who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> -shuddered at the utterance of the word ‘democracy.’ -The clergy, the judiciary, the lawyers, -the knights-errant and the financiers, found -congenial atmosphere and hospitality in this -house; for schemes were there laid to win independence, -but, once won, the English Constitution -and its institutions of aristocracy and finance -were the only safeguards of prosperity and liberty -which the common people should consider.</p> - -<p>Upon the occasion of the dinner for Roderick -Barclugh, the guests most suitable for an affair -of such financial and political importance were -to be Judge Shippen and his charming daughter, -Bessie; General Arnold and his bride, formerly -Miss Peggy Shippen; Reverend Mr. White, Rector -of St. Peter’s and brother to Mrs. FitzMaurice; -Thomas Milling and Mrs. Milling; Mr. Wilson, -a lawyer, and chief coadjutor in aristocratic -plans. Besides the foregoing, Colonel Hamilton, -the aide of General Washington, being in Philadelphia -on business, and Roderick Barclugh -completed the list of the older set. A bevy of -young and attractive belles of the day were -invited to give spirit to the party. These were -Miss Chew, daughter of Judge Chew, a suspected -Tory; Miss Logan, a representative of an old -and distinguished Quaker family; and Miss -Greydon, a beauty and wit, who, by the way,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span> -was the only personage present of advanced -democratic belief.</p> - -<p>At half-past five the coach-and-four of General -Arnold rolled into the <i>porte cochere</i> of the FitzMaurice -mansion, and the General, dressed -with wine-colored coat and knee breeches, buckles -and velvet waistcoat, lace frills in his sleeves and -bosom, gallantly escorted his young and brilliant -wife up the steps into the spacious hallway.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh arrived with Mr. Wilson -in the latter’s carriage. Liveried lackeys bowed -and scraped at every turn as the guests arrived -and retired to the dressing-rooms, and afterwards -presented themselves to the hostess and host -in the reception room. The elegant apparel -and polished manners of Roderick Barclugh -impressed everybody present with a feeling that -he was a man of affairs.</p> - -<p>As General Arnold came into the room bearing -on his arm Mrs. Arnold,—blushing, beautiful -and <i>distingue</i>—, both stepping up urbanely to -greet the hostess and host, Roderick Barclugh -read family domination in the hauteur and firm -mouth of the young dame.</p> - -<p>As the hostess turned to Roderick Barclugh -she said:</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, may I present to you and -Mrs. Arnold, Mr. Barclugh?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>Roderick Barclugh bowed twice, very low, -and Mrs. Arnold took pains to say most cordially:</p> - -<p>“It is with much pleasure we meet you, Mr. -Barclugh,” as she smiled most sweetly and passed -on to the other part of the room to greet friends.</p> - -<p>Colonel Hamilton and Roderick Barclugh were -the only ones who were not intimately acquainted -with every one else, so the party at once took on -a most free and jolly air. The young ladies -at once lionized Colonel Hamilton, who was -a very popular beau of his time. Miss Greydon -was already making a few good-natured sallies -at the Colonel.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wilson held the attention of Roderick -Barclugh by saying:</p> - -<p>“Why, sir, Congress has had so many hot-headed -and rabid Democrats that the people -of wealth and substance in the Colonies have -dreaded the issue of the Revolution for fear -that the rabble and ignorance of the country -would rule,—in fact, I have no love for the so-called -inherent rights of the people, sir.”</p> - -<p>“But why are the influential people of substance -encouraging the Revolution then, if they can see -nothing except disorder and anarchy result therefrom?” -was the inquisitive rejoinder of Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Why, sir, those New England delegates under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -Samuel Adams and the Southern delegates under -Thomas Jefferson were so rabid that Robert -FitzMaurice and myself and our party of conservatives -in the Continental Congress were -overwhelmed and compelled to sign the Declaration -of Independence. We did so reluctantly -and after a bitter contest, for the commercial and -Quaker interests of Philadelphia opposed the -declaration. If the commercial interests of our -country could have the decision, there would -have been no Declaration of Independence. -We would have settled our differences amicably -with King George, maintained our allegiance -to the British Crown, and held the Colonies -under the British Constitution,” was the dramatic -response of the Philadelphia lawyer.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and every one of you would bargain away -your rights as free men for the sake of so-called -commercial interests, which will breed a class -of tyrants more potent than kings,” was the -spirited retort of Miss Greydon, who had been -an attentive listener to the doctrines of an advocate -who, she knew, was paid for his opinions.</p> - -<p>“Well, well, at politics already! Why it seems, -Mr. Barclugh, as though the Americans were -born for politics,—even the ladies have their -opinions,” laughingly remarked the host as he -offered his arm to Mrs. Milling, and then turned -to the guests with the words:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>“James announces dinner.”</p> - -<p>The hostess escorted Mr. Barclugh to Mrs. -Arnold for her dinner partner, and General -Arnold to Miss Chew. Colonel Hamilton was -selected to accompany Miss Greydon, and the -Reverend Mr. White, Miss Logan. Mr. Wilson -offered his arm to Miss Shippen and then Mr. -Thomas Milling his to the Rector’s wife, Mrs. -White. The hostess graciously took the arm of -the eldest of the guests, Judge Shippen, and led -the party to table in the spacious dining-hall.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Arnold at once put Roderick Barclugh -at his ease by entering into a lively conversation. -Her young and gay spirits shone out serenely -as she said:</p> - -<p>“I do wish, Mr. Barclugh, that this horrid -war were ended, so that we could once more -live in peace and enjoy our homes and society. -Do you not think some good man could convince -the best Americans of the folly of their cause? -Why, I believe I could if I were a man,” as she -archly tossed her head smilingly toward her -escort.</p> - -<p>“You could charm them into your way of -thinking, madam, at all events. I believe seriously, -however, much might be gained for society by -such a course. Against such resources as the -Bank of England controls, this war does seem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> -a hopeless task,” concluded Barclugh.</p> - -<p>At table the Reverend Mr. White invoked -the divine blessing upon the assembled guests -and prayed that “the havocs of war would cease -by the intercession of the divine wisdom; that -the mother country would be brought to a just -realization of the needs of the Colonies; and that -the Colonies would find their true welfare in the -safety and protection of the British Constitution -and laws,”—these were the sentiments of the -Chaplain of Congress expressed in private.</p> - -<p>Mrs. FitzMaurice watched Colonel Hamilton’s -face to ascertain how these sentiments of her -reverend brother affected one so close to the -Commander-in-Chief, but seeing that the Colonel -was very enthusiastic in paying his gallantries -to the bevy of young ladies around him, she -became convinced that the British Constitution -had Hamilton’s good will.</p> - -<p>The hostess turned to Colonel Hamilton, however, -and remarked:</p> - -<p>“Now, Colonel, we know that you get to see -the young ladies very seldom from your camp, -but, come, do let us hear of the Commander-in-Chief, -and what the news is about him.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed, madam, I beg your forbearance,” -replied Hamilton, “General Washington is quite -well, but he feels very much discouraged. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -complains bitterly about the principal men of -the Colonies being detained at home by private -and Colonial affairs, so that the responsible -positions of Congress have fallen into the hands -of incapable and indifferent men. Everything -drifts aimlessly along, while many of our able -men retire from Congress in order to prosecute -schemes for private gain instead of devoting -their energies to the welfare of the nation.”</p> - -<p>Robert FitzMaurice took a lively interest in -the last few remarks and spiritedly replied:</p> - -<p>“Yes, I presume we ought to ruin ourselves -for the benefit of an irresponsible government. -Even though we gain our independence, the -government will be dominated by the rabid Whigs -in whom we can have no confidence. There -will be no stability of government under such -demagogues as Samuel Adams and Thomas -Jefferson. There will be no sound financial -system, nor anything for society to respect but -the rag-tag and bob-tail descended from everywhere -and kin to nobody.” As he concluded -the last sally, everybody joined in a general -laugh.</p> - -<p>“Where could we expect to find any <i>grandes -dames</i> or any examples of gentlemen? We -know too well already what would become of a -nation ruled by shopkeepers and bushwhackers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -I can see no virtue in the so-called schemes of -self-government; society could never submit to -such indignities. We would have to go to England -to escape from such a rabble,” was the bitter -homily of Mrs. Arnold, as she spoke in well -measured language, and showed the fire of her -dark eyes, and the charms of her long lashes and -beautiful neck.</p> - -<p>“Bravo, madam,” was the challenge of Mr. -Wilson, the lawyer, as he lifted his wine-glass, -and all the gentlemen followed to drink to the -sentiments of General Arnold’s blushing bride.</p> - -<p>As the General drained his glass, he beamed -with satisfaction; the attention paid his bride -tickled the vanity of his nature.</p> - -<p>“I am convinced,” remarked Roderick Barclugh, -“that if all the ladies could so successfully convince -their friends, the war would soon be over.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and it will soon be over if Congress does -not change for the better the treatment of the -army,”—said Arnold, pointing to himself, while -everybody laughed. “There is no gratitude for -soldiers in a government by the people,” said -Arnold.</p> - -<p>“You will receive the plaudits of a great people, -as an heritage to your children, General,” slyly, -with a chuckle, put in Judge Shippen, his father-in-law.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>“Yes, but applause does not buy bread and -butter and pay the bills, Judge,” was Arnold’s -reply.</p> - -<p>“But patriots should restrict their needs of -money for the sake of their country,” was the -advice of the Reverend Mr. White, the Rector of -St. Peter’s Church.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, but patriotism, like patience, ceases -to be a virtue when one’s family must suffer -ignominiously as a consequence,” was the rejoinder -of the Commander of Philadelphia.</p> - -<p>“But, my dear General,” said Miss Greydon, -“what would our cause do if it were not for the -sacrifices of our noble mothers, who say to their -sons: ‘Take this Bible and keep it in your -breast as your guide; care not for me. God -will care for the brave and true; pursue your -destiny and return not till the tyrant is driven -from our shores,’—like the Spartan mother -who said: ‘Come back with your shield or upon -it.’”</p> - -<p>“Ah, Miss Greydon,” said Arnold, “such -sentiment is very fine, but very poor business.”</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha! that’s it, that’s it. There’s far -too much sentiment in our ideas of government,” -said the lawyer, Wilson. “Sentiment can never -overcome Britain’s power and wealth.”</p> - -<p>Now that the dinner was well along, and Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -Greydon saw that if any one was to show loyalty -to the cause of the Colonies at this gathering -of choice aristocratic spirits, she must assume -the task, thus she essayed to reply to the lawyer:</p> - -<p>“But, Mr. Wilson, the day will be a very sad -one for our government and for our countrymen -when we can surrender our cardinal virtues of -patriotism and self-denial in order to let personal -gain shape the destiny of our government. If -mere arms and money are more powerful than -the ideas of freedom, of equality and of justice, -then wealth and brute force will rule the world. -But if every true American stands firmly for self-government -and an independent system of finance -and our own social relations, Britain can never -conquer us. Our nation will prosper and put -Britons to shame for the selfishness and audacity -of their claims. Were I possessed of the powers -of an orator, I would not rest until our Colonies -were free to govern themselves in behalf of human -rights—not wealth.”</p> - -<p>Everybody looked toward Mrs. Arnold, and -those who knew her well expected an outburst -of her fiery nature, but the hostess, feeling it -was now time for the ladies to retire, arose and -interposed very gracefully:</p> - -<p>“I think we had better retire in favor of the -gentlemen, who can settle those questions of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -state by means of wine and song.”</p> - -<p>No sooner had the ladies gone, than the host -said to the butler at his side:</p> - -<p>“James, you will now bring in the ‘jolly -mariner.’”</p> - -<p>At once the head waiter appeared bearing a -huge punch-bowl laden with a concoction,—the -pride of the host. Besides slices of tropical -fruits and a foundation of rare old Burgundy, -it was made smooth with sugar and Jamaica rum. -Then by way of a backbone to “stiffen” it a -little, James had put in a good portion of <i>Cognac</i>.</p> - -<p>General Arnold had already drunk with everybody -whom he could induce; he was just beginning -to feel his importance when the “jolly mariner” -arrived, and glasses were filled; then Arnold -gave vent to the toast nearest his heart. He -arose and proposed,</p> - -<p>“Here’s success to privateering.”</p> - -<p>Standing, everybody drank deeply to this -sentiment, for the host was enriching himself -on it, and Arnold hoped to support his extravagance -by it. The punch was so smooth that even -the old heads desired another bumper.</p> - -<p>Old Thomas Milling, the head of the host’s -trading-firm, was now beginning to feel rather -mellow and when he reflected that privateering -smacked of the gay sea-rover he sang a couple<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -of stanzas of the old ballad:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“My name was Captain Kidd,</div> -<div class="verse">“When I sail’d, when I sail’d,</div> -<div class="verse">“My name was Captain Kidd,</div> -<div class="verse">“When I sail’d, when I sail’d,</div> -<div class="verse">“I roamed from sound to sound</div> -<div class="verse">“And many a ship I found,</div> -<div class="verse">“That I sank or ran aground,</div> -<div class="verse">“When I sail’d, when I sail’d;</div> -<div class="verse">“That I sank or ran aground,</div> -<div class="verse">“When I sail’d, when I sail’d.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>“By George, that punch has the magic in it, -Robert, to make Milling turn loose,” said Wilson.</p> - -<p>“Bravo, Milling.”</p> - -<p>“Encore, encore.”</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha! We’ll have the next,” rang out a -medley of voices.</p> - -<p>“All’s well, gentlemen, if it pleases you,” -continued the old merchant:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“My name was Captain Kidd,</div> -<div class="verse">“When I sail’d, when I sail’d,</div> -<div class="verse">“My name was Captain Kidd,</div> -<div class="verse">“When I sail’d, when I sail’d,</div> -<div class="verse">“Farewell to young and old</div> -<div class="verse">“All jolly seamen bold,</div> -<div class="verse">“You’re welcome to my gold,</div> -<div class="verse">“I must die, I must die.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -<div class="verse">“You’re welcome to my gold,</div> -<div class="verse">“I must die, I must die.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>“Here’s to the gold, gentlemen, he says we’re -welcome—hic—to it,” said Arnold as he extended -a wobbling wine-glass.</p> - -<p>“Captain Kidd must have been a bold rover -of the seas,” remarked Roderick Barclugh, “to -have been commissioned by the British Admiralty -to clear the seas of pirates and then to have -turned to the plundering himself. I rather admire -the audacity of character. His riches would -have made him a great man if he had escaped -the gallows, like many another before and since -his time. The riches are what we must have, -no matter so much how they come.”</p> - -<p>“Hear, hear, gentlemen,” said Arnold, as -he stupidly raised his wine-glass and drank -again, “we <i>must</i> have the riches.”</p> - -<p>At this moment the butler came quietly into -the room and touching General Arnold on the -arm, delivered a message.</p> - -<p>The Commander of Philadelphia took his -leave, and everybody smiled as he made extra -efforts to steady his steps out of the room.</p> - -<p>While the gentlemen were discussing privateers -and the “jolly mariner,” the ladies had gone to -the drawing-room to have coffee served.</p> - -<p>Mrs. FitzMaurice by an opportune retirement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> -of the ladies from the table had evaded an impending -storm, for she had known Mrs. Arnold from -girlhood, and saw that a conflict of sentiment -between her and Miss Greydon was inevitable. -As the hostess had a premonition of the impending -clash, she thought best to have the scene among -the ladies alone, for they all knew the hysterical -temper of the General’s wife.</p> - -<p>As soon as the ladies had been seated at the -tables for coffee, Mrs. Arnold’s ire began to gather -headway.</p> - -<p>“I should think,” she said, “that examples -of the Spartan woman were good enough for the -common people, but for the gentry to give up -their birth-rights and fortunes, and to sacrifice -themselves and their future for a miserable system -of self-government, such statements are vulgar and -indecent. Why, just to think! General Arnold -asked the Committee on Military Affairs and -the Commander-in-Chief to be transferred to -the command of West Point, and thus far they -have ignored his request. Surely he deserves -<i>some</i> honors.”</p> - -<p>“Why, Mrs. Arnold, I believe the proper -thing to do, entertaining such sentiments toward -our principles of free government, instead of -seeking West Point, that General Arnold ought -to resign, or in fact join the other party,” flashed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -from Miss Greydon’s ready tongue.</p> - -<p>“That’s too much. I—I—I can’t stand it. -O General! O Papa! I must leave this room. -Somebody, somebody better come here,” shrieked -the General’s wife as the hostess led the unfortunate -lady to the dressing-room, and sent for -General Arnold.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Bitterness</span> of feeling between the Tories and -Whigs was mollified in Philadelphia by the -gayety and social qualities of the French Minister.</p> - -<p>M. de la Luzerne had rare social tact. He -flattered the Tories and dazzled the Whigs by -fine dinners and balls to which all factions were -invited. The <i>salon</i> of his residence was a favorite -meeting-place. Political feuds and family jars -were settled by the benign smiles and courtesy -of the host and hostess. Times were stirring; -the checker-board of war held sway in the drawing-room; -the social ills of the body politic were cured -by this representative of the French monarch, -and the Revolution prospered.</p> - -<p>As the guests arrived, the liveried butler announced -their names in stentorian tones and -Mollie Greydon and her father, Dr. Greydon, -entered when the music was starting for the -cotillion. Roderick Barclugh met Mollie as she -came down the staircase, and announced to her -that she was to be his partner since her name by -lot fell to him.</p> - -<p>“May I have the pleasure of dancing with -you this evening, Miss Greydon?” Barclugh<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -asked her.</p> - -<p>She had taken a parting glance in the mirror. -Her reflected <i>pompadour</i>, ribbons, and the lace -handkerchief around her sloping white shoulders -satisfied her. Her bodice was square-cut and -her head, which was stately, poised on a well-rounded -neck, added dignity to her well-formed -figure. When she appeared on the staircase -and approached Roderick Barclugh with a firm -but elastic step she felt perfectly calm and comfortably -gowned.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Mr. Barclugh,” replied Mollie -when asked to dance the cotillion, “I shall deem -it an honor.”</p> - -<p>She took her partner’s arm and bowed to Alexander -Hamilton, General Washington’s aide. -He was waiting to invite Mrs. Arnold for the -cotillion. Roderick Barclugh’s pulse beat fast -with delight, when he stepped into the ball-room, -filled with America’s choicest spirits. They swiftly -passed among the couples, seated in a semicircle, -waiting for the leader to start the dancing; then -they sat down, and he began to talk to his beautiful -partner.</p> - -<p>Anne Milling, herself a belle, ran over to Mollie -and whispered,</p> - -<p>“You are fortunate in your lot for a partner. -He is simply grand.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>Comte de Noailles was the leader of the -cotillion, and his selection of figures and favors -was both bold and unique. His art had been -learned at the French Court, and the Colonists -went into ecstacies over his innovations.</p> - -<p>Both Mollie and Mrs. Arnold were dancing -in the first figure which was a complicated affair -requiring eight couples. Mrs. Arnold was standing -with her partner, Colonel Hamilton, watching -the others when she said:</p> - -<p>“Just look at those eyes of Mr. Barclugh,”—and -she gave her head a saucy toss,—“he is -simply devouring that young Quakeress.”</p> - -<p>“But you know, my dear Madam,” said the -Colonel, “Miss Greydon has had a beautiful -life at Dorminghurst. She has cultivated the -classics and is gifted as a linguist. Those accomplishments -along with her personal charms are -reflected in every movement of her form, which -is beautiful.”</p> - -<p>“Now, Colonel, I am surprised to have you -express yourself so enthusiastically over that -young prodigy. She is too ordinary for me. -She makes a companion of a young Indian maiden -who lives on her father’s estate. I believe her -name is <i>Segwuna</i> and she has much influence -over Mollie. She also has ideas about the rights -of the people. So there! What can you expect?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -She knits for the soldiers, and attends the dairy -at Dorminghurst for her mother!”</p> - -<p>“Now! Now! Madam Arnold, you do not -feel ungrateful—” Hamilton began.</p> - -<p>“For my life, I can not see what Mr. Barclugh -can see in a girl of her tastes!” interrupted the -General’s wife.</p> - -<p>“But,” argued the Colonel, “Mr. Barclugh -has seen the jaded life of rouge and power and -<i>effete ennui</i> in Paris and this young, beautiful -and surprising belle of our Colonies appeals -to him.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Colonel, you must be in love yourself,” -said Mrs. Arnold archly; “men are such untutored -creatures.” She laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>“<i>Salut de la Court!</i>” called Comte de -Noailles, the leader.</p> - -<p>The dancers began the merry round which -wound up with Mrs. Arnold being in the <i>promenade</i> -with Roderick Barclugh, and Colonel Hamilton -with Mollie Greydon.</p> - -<p>“You have a fine partner, Miss Greydon,” -remarked Hamilton.</p> - -<p>“Really, do you think so?” asked Mollie.</p> - -<p>“All the ladies are in ecstacies over him. It -is a new face and a title that attract.”</p> - -<p>“You misunderstand me then,” said Mollie.</p> - -<p>“But you are the exception that proves the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -rule,” enjoined the Colonel, who was handsome -in his gay uniform.</p> - -<p>“Are men the infallible judges?” parried Mollie.</p> - -<p>“When it comes to beauty,” replied the Colonel -gayly.</p> - -<p>The figure changed and Mollie found herself -swinging in the arms of Roderick Barclugh and -out of breath she sat down with a swirl of satin -skirts that showed a dainty slipper.</p> - -<p>Now Colonel Hamilton and Mrs. Arnold had -a chance for a <i>tete-a-tete</i> as she sat down with -a heaving breast which gave effect to her low-cut -corsage of black velvet. Her white hand -held a dainty fan which she used vigorously -as she said:</p> - -<p>“I must tell you something about Roderick -Barclugh. He will some day have a title, and he -is seeking his fortune in privateering. He is -engaged in this business along with FitzMaurice -and Milling, and has twenty thousand pounds -sterling to his credit with them.”</p> - -<p>“Why, how do you happen to know so much -about him,” asked the Colonel.</p> - -<p>“General Arnold told me. They have some -business ventures in privateering together. You -know, we do not get enough from Congress -for our station.”</p> - -<p>“Very true, Madam, but your lot is cast with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -a man of arms and he must take the fortunes -of war,” said Alexander Hamilton sternly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Colonel, you are so severe!” exclaimed -the General’s wife as John Milling came up -and favored her with the next figure in the cotillion.</p> - -<p>Little did Mollie and Barclugh know that they -were the observed of all observers in the ball-room. -The French Minister came up to them -and shook his finger slyly at Barclugh and said: -“<i>Une fille par excellence de la belle France</i>.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh colored slightly and rose to give the -host a chance to speak to Mollie and bowed very -low. He then made his way to the side of Madam -Arnold.</p> - -<p>“This is so sweet of you, <i>ma chere</i>, to grace -our assembly with your presence,” smilingly -remarked the fat and jolly minister, while rubbing -his hands together nervously. “My compliments -to your mama,” continued the diplomat, “but -look out and do not lose your heart to my countryman, -Mr. Barclugh. He is very gay, very gay.” -He then passed on to General Arnold.</p> - -<p>“No dancing for you, <i>mon cher general</i>, eh?”</p> - -<p>“<i>Certainment! Certainment!</i>” replied the diplomat -as the General pointed to his wounded knee, -a relic of Saratoga.</p> - -<p>Mollie now had a chance to pause for a few -minutes from the gay whirl of the dance, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -she wished that she had never been allowed -the opportunity. She grew pale as she saw -Roderick Barclugh talking with Mrs. Arnold -in a confidential manner. There was just one -nod of her head that spoke volumes to Mollie. -Hot and cold tremors coursed through her veins, -for she could not fathom Mrs. Arnold, therefore -she was a mystery to her and Mollie did not like -her.</p> - -<p>“Is it Tuesday, then?” queried Mrs. Arnold -in a voice above the music of the dance.</p> - -<p>“Tuesday,” nodded Barclugh in reply, just -loud enough for Mollie to hear it.</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, Miss Mollie,” came from Barclugh -as he took his seat, “I was just making an appointment -to ride out with the Commandant and his -wife next Tuesday.”</p> - -<p>She made no reply, but looked displeased.</p> - -<p>The intermission for refreshments ensued, and -instead of going directly to the tables where -the coffee and chocolate were served, Barclugh -and Mollie continued their <i>tete-a-tete</i>.</p> - -<p>“I missed your presence so much at Dorminghurst -when we had our last tea party, Mr. -Barclugh,” said Mollie with much emphasis.</p> - -<p>“I am flattered, Miss Greydon,” was all Barclugh -could reply. His manner was agitated.</p> - -<p>Barclugh did not know why this mere girl<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -should have such an influence upon him. She -was a surprise to his soul. Used to the artificial -manners of the French Court he could not believe -his own eyes when he beheld such grace of person, -stately courtesy and dignity in any living being -as the one before him.</p> - -<p>“But, you know, I do not give flattery,” flashed -from the pretty lips.</p> - -<p>“Maybe, if I stayed away from your tea party -you would not care for that?” queried Barclugh -with intensity in his voice.</p> - -<p>“Ah, but you know that I said ‘I missed you,’” -answered Mollie with a merry glance over the -top of her fan.</p> - -<p>At this juncture the Comte de Noailles happened -along and urged on the dancers:</p> - -<p>“Here! Here! We need you. Get your partners -for the country reel.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh and Mollie stopped their confidences -and laughed heartily at each other as they hurried -to the refreshment table and returned with glee -for the reel.</p> - -<p>The Comte danced with Anne Milling and -led the couples out into the middle of the floor. -Eight couples faced each other and the reel -began.</p> - -<p>“First couple forward and back!”</p> - -<p>“Second couple the same!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>The young now had their chance and -the dowagers and the old macaronis filled up -the ball-room and looked on with zest and zeal.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Arnold while dancing with her partner, -Colonel Hamilton, could not keep her eyes from -Roderick Barclugh and Mollie. She was simply -desperate to think that her sister, Bessie, did not -have Barclugh for her evening’s partner. She -watched the expression on Barclugh’s face as -he bowed and swung in the changes of the dance, -and she was so preoccupied that when the Comte -called:</p> - -<p>“First couple up and down the center!”—she -did not recognize her partner’s bow until in self-defense -Colonel Hamilton said:</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, Madam!”</p> - -<p>Startled with her inattention she blushed guiltily -and took the proffered hand of Colonel Hamilton -and promenaded up and down between the -lines to the rhythm of the violins and the clapping -of hands.</p> - -<p>As the turn for Mollie and Barclugh came, it -was noticeable to all how Barclugh beamed with -pride as he led Mollie, with her hand raised high, -and in dainty step passed between the merry -dancers. He bowed deferentially as they turned -to retrace their steps. Mollie looked all aglow -as she stood <i>vis-a-vis</i> to Barclugh. There was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -intoxication in her manner, her face was illumined -with success, but no one recognized this triumph -of Mollie Greydon with such envy as Mrs. Arnold. -She could not bear to think Barclugh was lost -from <i>her</i> influence.</p> - -<p>The reel concluded with the Comte bowing -and courtesying to the onlookers as they applauded. -He gave the call for the last figure:</p> - -<p>“All join hands forward and back!”</p> - -<p>“Salute!”</p> - -<p>“Swing!”</p> - -<p>Barclugh swung his partner with an abandon -that Mollie could not resist, and then escorted -her to Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>When Mollie had seated herself he finished the evening’s pleasure by -saying to her:</p> - -<p>“The dance is the language of love.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">On the</span> morning after the assembly Barclugh -awoke as though from a dream. After leaving -the French Minister’s mansion he went to his -bachelor’s quarters on Front Street and sat in -his chair trying to dispel the pictures of Mollie -Greydon. Reason as he might—that she was -a mere girl and he a man of the world, and he -ought not to allow his fancy to dwell upon affairs -of his heart when he had sterner duties to perform—still -the image of that being who had awakened -a new life for him clung to his brain and he could -not forget it. It gave him no rest.</p> - -<p>But the morning of the following Thursday -when he was to see her again, he bounded out of -bed and felt as though he could not wait for the -hour to arrive. To take the carriage to Dorminghurst -was his overpowering desire.</p> - -<p>The old Colonial mansion of Dorminghurst -had been the scene of many brilliant receptions; -but this one, when Mollie felt that her fate was -to be settled, seemed of far-reaching influence. -The servants arranged the china and the tea-urn -on a round mahogany table in the center -of the drawing-room. Tables and chairs arranged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -for groups of ladies and gentlemen to sit around -and sup their tea and gossip, were placed in the -corners of the large room. Mollie was taking -a last look at her gown when she heard the first -carriage rattle along the roadway and came -down the grand staircase to take her place with -her parents.</p> - -<p>The Greydons held a position of unquestionable -influence in the upper society of Philadelphia. -James Greydon, Mollie’s grandfather, had been -Secretary of William Penn, the founder; then -deputy Governor, then executor of Penn’s vast -landed estate. Consequently, the Greydons were -lordly proprietors, for the thrifty grandfather -had bought his lands from the Indians. Thus -a card for a reception at Dorminghurst became -almost a command.</p> - -<p>On this serene afternoon in May the broad -avenue of hemlocks seemed more beautiful than -ever. The liveried equipages of the FitzMaurices, -the Millings, the Redmans, the Binghams, the -Adamses, the Chews, the Carrolls, the Pinckneys, -the Shippens, the Peterses, the Arnolds came -rolling up to the pillared entrance and gay guests -alighted, passed hurriedly to the <i>boudoirs</i> and -came down to greet Dr. and Mrs. Greydon, and -not the least,—Miss Mollie.</p> - -<p>That young lady was in an anxious mood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> -She greeted each arrival in a very sweet and -cordial manner, but she cast constant glances -out into the arched hallway to see if Roderick -Barclugh were among the latest arrivals. She -eagerly scanned every face and at last saw him -come with James Wilson, the lawyer.</p> - -<p>Mollie watched him ascend the curved staircase -on one side and return with the line of guests -on the other. He was fashionably dressed in his -powdered wig and queue and his shining buckles -and lace frills. No gentlemen present bore a -more distinguished appearance than Roderick -Barclugh. She watched him shake the hand -of her father and her mother, and, when her turn -came, she offered her hand with delight in her -eyes as she said:</p> - -<p>“I am so glad that you remembered my special -invitation.”</p> - -<p>There was a slight flush in her cheeks, and she -knew that Barclugh approved of her gown and -her hair by the satisfied glances that his eyes made. -He looked into her eyes as he said softly:</p> - -<p>“This is a great pleasure, to see you again.”</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh bowed profoundly and -passed among the guests. He was in the midst -of a group who were gossiping about the Arnolds.</p> - -<p>“What do you think, Mr. Barclugh,” asked -Anne Milling, approaching Barclugh in her most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -bewitching manner, “the court-martial of General -Arnold has found him guilty of misconduct -in his office as Commander of Philadelphia and -General Washington has been ordered to make -a public reprimand. The dear, brave General! -He has been made to endure more than he can -stand. Don’t you think so, Mr. Barclugh?”</p> - -<p>“General Arnold surely is brave, but has he -not been extravagant?” was Barclugh’s reply -in a tone indicating his aversion to the subject.</p> - -<p>“I have little sympathy with him as he has -become very imperious and overbearing of late, -since he married Peggy Shippen. He did not -have the fortune or the position in society to -marry such an ambitious girl as Margaret; she -needed a baronet,” volunteered Mrs. FitzMaurice, -who had the faculty of speaking her mind.</p> - -<p>“It is a question which one has the most ambition, -Mrs. Arnold or the General, since they -have moved into their new country home, ‘Mount -Pleasant’ on the Schuylkill. Have you attended -any of their gorgeous entertainments? No -wonder his ambition runs away with him. They -both love luxury and they need money,” chimed -in Sally Redman, who loved to have people -realize that she knew a few things about the gay -world.</p> - -<p>“Let me whisper something. It must never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -be repeated. The French Minister refused -General Arnold a loan. I have it from very -direct sources,” volunteered Charles Bingham.</p> - -<p>“Did he go to the French Minister himself?” -queried Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Bingham, and the whole group -laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>“Hush! Here they come now,” whispered -Anne Milling as she gave Mr. Bingham a touch -on his arm.</p> - -<p>The General and his wife came up arm in arm, -all smiles when the group just referring to them -turned and greeted the Commander of Philadelphia -and his wife most cordially:</p> - -<p>“Why, how do you do, General? How do -you do, Peggy, my dear? I am so glad to see -you,” said Mrs. FitzMaurice in her sweetest -tones and with a smile for both of them.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Arnold at once addressed herself to -Roderick Barclugh and the General to M. de la -Luzerne, who had just joined the group.</p> - -<p>“I hope that we may see you out to ‘Mount -Pleasant’ very soon, Mr. Barclugh. My sister, -Bessie, is now visiting me and it would give us -the greatest pleasure to see you. Tuesdays are -our days. Then, I must tell you”—in her most -pleasing tones—“the General has taken a very -great interest in you of late.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>“I thank you, Madam; it will be not your -pleasure alone, but mine.”</p> - -<p>In times of war very little of the drawing-room -satisfied the men of affairs; so, when the ladies -and the macaronis were fairly aglow with gossip -over the tea-cups, John Adams, Dr. Greydon -and Charles Thompson found themselves together -in the doctor’s office and began to discuss -serious affairs over their pipes and mugs of home -ale.</p> - -<p>“By thunder! That trading house of Milling -and FitzMaurice brought home a fat prize, -William,” remarked Charles Thompson. “One -of their privateers secured a British ship worth -eighty thousand pounds sterling.”</p> - -<p>“Is it possible? No wonder they can live -in luxury. They are growing fat out of the war. -That one prize would pay back one half that they -have loaned to Congress,” continued John Adams.</p> - -<p>“I always was opposed to war on general -principles,” argued Dr. Greydon, “but if we -must fight, all right. Yet, when private individuals -can go out on the high seas and take other private -individuals’ substance it seems like licensed -robbery.”</p> - -<p>“I venture to say riches thus gained will never -profit the gainer. Robert FitzMaurice has made -fabulous riches out of his piratical enterprise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -but he will lose it all, some day,” reasoned the -Secretary of Congress.</p> - -<p>“Heigho there!” exclaimed John Adams, “do -you know that FitzMaurice and Milling are now -planning to start a bank and to do all the financing -for Congress? They want a charter.”</p> - -<p>“That’s fine,” began Dr. Greydon. “First, -Congress grants letters of Marque and Reprisal -to these enterprising merchants, in order for -them to hold up their neighbors’ ships and rob -them; now, when they grow rich out of the war, -we will license them to hold our hands when they -can go into <i>our</i> pockets and rob <i>us</i>. Oh! That’s -a fine scheme to throttle our war. They could -tell us then to lay down our arms if the bank -was not pleased. Never let us get into the clutches -of these financiers. The power of the purse -must always belong to Congress, the representatives -of the people.”</p> - -<p>Thus spoke Dr. Greydon, and then Charles -Thompson added:</p> - -<p>“The money of our Congress maybe depreciated, -but if the people of our country accept it, which -the patriots do—maybe the Tories do not—we -will prosper; but if we give ourselves into the -hands of the bank, they would take nothing -but specie for payment and we would be paralyzed. -We could do nothing but surrender.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>“Here! Here! William, we are forgetting -our ladies,” said John Adams, and they arose -and joined the guests in the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>Mollie was helping her mother serve the tea; -the guests were seated at the tables; but she -did not lose sight of Barclugh. Although the -large drawing-room and the library were thronged -with guests, she could not let him out of her -sight. Members of Congress, generals, their -sons and daughters, and French diplomats -thronged the rooms but they soon began to depart.</p> - -<p>At the first opportunity Barclugh left his tea-cup -and found his way to the side of Mollie. -She turned and said spiritedly:</p> - -<p>“You must miss your gay society in Paris, -Mr. Barclugh? They must be so different from -our society? I would be delighted to travel -abroad again; I was so young when papa took -me to England.”</p> - -<p>“Society is very much the same the world -over,” answered Barclugh,—“so insincere.”</p> - -<p>“Are all people insincere, Mr. Barclugh?” -returned Mollie.</p> - -<p>“By no means. There is one whom I know -to be sincere.”</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_034fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">Mollie Greydon.</p> - -<p>“But, do you really, Mr. Barclugh, enjoy your -sojourn in America?” insisted Mollie.</p> - -<p>“I would leave to-morrow if it were not for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -the <i>tete-a-tetes</i> that I have with one whom I -meet too seldom.”</p> - - - -<p>“That is exasperating, Mr. Barclugh. Who -can it be? Is it Mrs. Arnold?” sallied Mollie.</p> - -<p>“Oh! no! no! She is too imperious. Can -you not guess?” and Barclugh looked so appealingly -into Mollie’s eyes that her pulse seemed -to cease.</p> - -<p>She grew pale and could scarcely venture a -reply.</p> - -<p>“I would not dare to guess,” she said softly, -“for fear that I might be mistaken.”</p> - -<p>The Secretary of Congress, Charles Thompson, -came up to Mollie at this juncture to bid her -good-bye and she was drawn into the duties of -bidding the guests farewell; Roderick Barclugh -left Dorminghurst that afternoon, determined -to win the heart of Mollie Greydon; but little -did he know what stirring events would intervene -before he could offer himself to the one he loved.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak"> -CHAPTER IV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">“That game,</span> Charles, last night, upset our -plans, and we must recoup our fortunes from -government,” suggested young Lord Carlisle -bitterly, on the morning after he had lost ten -thousand pounds sterling at a single cast at hazard -in Brooks’ Club.</p> - -<p>He was addressing his two cronies, Charles -Fox and George Selwyn. Both were members -of Parliament and included within the inner -Cabinet and Councils of the government of Lord -North. Both were powerful in the set that -obtained favors (for the chosen few) from the -monarch, George III.</p> - -<p>In order that no one might observe them, the -three were alighting from the chariot of Lord -Carlisle and entering the “Old Cock” Tavern, -a resort for literary drudges and solicitors of -Temple Court. They entered at the side entrance -in Apollo Court, just off Fleet Street. They -had come directly from the gaming-table, dejected -and desperate from heavy loss, to a place where -they could retire securely to one of the cosy -corners for breakfast and repose.</p> - -<p>Having been all night in the great room at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -Brooks’, nerved to high tension at the hazard of -great stakes, this sorry set of cronies sought refreshment -and a reckoning of their shattered fortunes. -One of those reposeful havens for the “weary -and heavy laden,” in old London’s jaded life, -now appealed to these gaming spirits and leaders -of government.</p> - -<p>The “Old Cock” boasted of a respectable antiquity -even at this time, 1777. The old gossip, Samuel -Pepys, had graced its haunts in the time of the -Stuarts; it survived the ravages of the Plague, -and even the great fire of Old London; the entrance -was a passageway that passed a flight of stairs -and a bar into a large, well-lighted coffee-room. -Skylights furnished air and sunshine whenever -London could lay claim to the latter. Bright -sea-sand glistened on the faultless floor. Rows -of mahogany boxes, formed by high-backed seats -on three sides and open toward the center, surrounded -the entire room, except where the huge -fireplace added good cheer in its restful, blazing -wood.</p> - -<p>In one of these boxes a party could be quite -secluded. The tops of the settles were higher -than one’s head and a bandy-legged table of -mahogany sat between the benches. The mantel -of the fireplace was massive oak, carved after -the fashion of the Elizabethan age, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -atmosphere of the place was presided over by -a heroic representation of an “Old Cock” perched -high at the farther end in the act of hailing the -morn.</p> - -<p>Noted for its wine and for those “who knew -what was good and could afford to pay for it,” -the “Old Cock” was justly celebrated for the -solace within its walls.</p> - -<p>Life swirled in Old London, around the young -bloods at Brooks’. The great room where hazard -ran riot beheld noted encounters between Fox, -March, Burgoyne, Carlisle, Rodney and Selwyn. -These revels afforded gossip in coffee-houses, -taverns and drawing-rooms. Many a bottle of -good, old port tickled the cockles of a Londoner’s -heart, while Fox’s debts, Carlisle’s losses and -Selwyn’s witticisms afforded old London-town -an excuse to gossip about people to one’s heart’s -content. A reckoning, however, was sure to -come. No bulls and bears were in existence -then, but their progenitors revelled in high play -at the club.</p> - -<p>“Charles,” began Carlisle in a cozy nook of -the “Old Cock,” “you know that Burgoyne’s -return from his disaster affects our situation -most seriously. What can be done to meet -our disappointments? If Burgoyne had simply -reached New York, the King would have elevated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -him to the vacant peerage of S—— as was -promised us; and Parliament would have voted -him one hundred thousand pounds sterling so -that he could have paid me his debt of twenty-five -thousand pounds.”</p> - -<p>Fox, who had been in Lord North’s cabinet, -and as Junior Lord of the Treasury had opposed -the estrangement of the Colonies, foresaw the -disaster in war as carried on by Lord North. -His powerful influences were directed to stop -the war more by diplomacy than by force. But -his gambling proclivities kept all of his friends -in jeopardy. Now something must be done -to stop the disastrous war and at the same stroke -recoup the waning fortunes of himself and his -cronies.</p> - -<p>Therefore, turning to his two friends in distress, -he mildly argued:</p> - -<p>“Well Carlisle, I shall go to my friend, Mr. -Prince, Governor of the Corporation of the -Bank of England, and ask him to insist with -that old fool, Lord North, that if our soldiers -can not whip the Colonists, we must <i>buy</i> the -leaders. We can appoint a commission with -yourself, Carlisle, at its head to go to America -and settle the conflict with a <i>coup d’etat</i>.”</p> - -<p>Selwyn listened most eagerly to whatever -Charles advised at all times, but now he smiled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -graciously as he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Zounds! that’s good! My Lord, if you once -get to America to show your bags of gold to the -hungry dogs, the woods will ring with the yelps -of the hungry pack. They would give up the -chase and devour the bones that you might throw -to them,” exclaimed Selwyn, who sat in the corner -sipping his well-brewed coffee.</p> - -<p>“Such a stroke,” continued Selwyn, lazily, -“to win the Colonies, would bring us the King’s -favor and two hundred thousand pounds sterling -by Parliament, my Lord; and we would once -more recoup our fortunes. Then Charles could -satisfy the Shylocks and kick them down the -stairs.”</p> - -<p>While these gentlemen of plots on the government -exchequer were scheming in their corner, -the rest of the coffee-room of the old tavern was -humming with groups of customers, who were -drinking, smoking, and eating to their hearts’ -content.</p> - -<p>Lingering over tankards of ale, or puffing at -long pipes of tobacco, tables were surrounded -by wise-visaged solicitors discussing the possible -phases of the trial of the Duchess of Kingsley, -who was on trial for bigamy.</p> - -<p>Having married, clandestinely, the second son -of Lord Ker, and the marriage being disowned,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -the Duchess had lived publicly with the Duke -of Kingsley, and finally married him during -Mr. Ker’s lifetime. But at the death of the Duke, -proceedings were instituted by which she was -found guilty of the crime charged, and thus -lost all the property left her by the Duke. If -such subjects did not afford gossip at the coffee-houses -others did.</p> - -<p>In one corner were the literary characters, -among whom was Dr. Johnson, and, of course, -his friend Boswell,—surrounded by a company -of satellites, all of whom paid court to the old -autocrat, the leader of all criticism, and the -arbiter of all opinions on the passing literary -productions.</p> - -<p>Oh, how the “old growler” delighted in a -pint of port! When his soul grew mellow how -that charmed circle delighted to hear him repeat -for the five hundredth time those favorite lines -from rare old Ben Jonson:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“Wine, it is the milk of Venus,</div> -<div class="center">* * * * * * *</div> -<div class="verse">That cheers the brains, makes wit the quicker,</div> -<div class="verse">Pays all debts, cures all diseases,</div> -<div class="verse">And at once three senses pleases.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>Selwyn was a great admirer of Fox, and was -one of his life-long friends, but a courtier first -and last.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>His friendship for Lord Carlisle also was of -the most tender nature. He stood between -his two friends as the adviser of Carlisle and the -guardian of Fox. The latter was a brilliant politician, -and a passionate gamester, who needed -the good offices of a diplomat like Selwyn.</p> - -<p>Yet Selwyn’s most concern was to keep Fox -within a sphere of usefulness, in order that Fox -could pay back to Carlisle money that was loaned -at the gaming-table. The interests of the -three were so involved that one had to maintain -the other in order to preserve himself; they repeated -the story of Cæsar and Pompey.</p> - -<p>“I have the scheme,” ejaculated Selwyn, who -was by this time growing enthusiastic over the -idea of stopping the American War with the -English valor that wins their battles when bayonets -fail. “I am acquainted with a young man who -is the secret agent of the Bank of England in France -and has brought us the innermost information -from the French Court by reason of his skill -as a diplomat, and his pretended friendship for -the American cause.</p> - -<p>“He is a personal friend of Dr. Franklin. -In America he could be recognized as a supporter -of the cause of independence while he kept your -Commission informed as to the weakness within -the American ranks.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>“You could induce him,” continued Selwyn -spiritedly, “to undertake the mission by promising -the highest position, that of Viceroy in the -Colonies. You could also offer a peerage and -vast landed estates in America for his success.”</p> - -<p>“No man could resist such inducements,” -concluded Carlisle, as he drank in the plans -with evident satisfaction.</p> - -<p>Fox sat there unconcerned as to details, but -awakening out of a reverie on last night’s game -remarked to Selwyn:</p> - -<p>“George, I am agreed. You talk well, but -what is the man’s name?”</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact, Fox did not have so much -concern about the Colonies, as he did about the -vast sum of money that he owed Carlisle. He -was ready for any expedient to pacify his creditor -and give some excuse to put off demands on his -depleted fortunes.</p> - -<p>If Carlisle should succeed in retaining the -Colonies within the empire, and at the same time -receive great personal treasures from the government, -Fox’s personal obligations would be cancelled -and a disastrous war would be ended.</p> - -<p>Selwyn, replying to Fox’s question, said persuasively:</p> - -<p>“His name, my dear Charles, is Roderick -Barclugh, but for purposes of state it must be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -withheld until the plans are working. If you are -agreed you can submit your plan to the King -through the bank. I am sure that the King -will take up your ideas as his own. Then he has -to listen to those people that control his purse-strings, -anyway.”</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle, young and ambitious to recoup -his severe losses, arose from the breakfast and -said decisively:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, the plan is well conceived. If -it fails to subdue the rebels, my name will sink to -the depths of ignominy; but if it succeeds, I shall -have the honor of serving my King as well as -Warren Hastings at all events.”</p> - -<p>Whereupon the three plotters departed for -their lodgings, to be ready for the game at Brooks’ -that night.</p> - -<p>Selwyn, the diplomat of the trio, set the plans -to working. He interviewed Mr. Prince, the -Governor of the Bank of England, who consented -to influence the King.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">“Your Majesty,</span> I am informed that the -French monarch has decided to recognize the -independence of the Americans and put all the -resources of France against Great Britain.”</p> - -<p>“Whence comes your information, Mr. Prince?” -asked George III, as he sat in his private study -of St. James’s, October, 1777.</p> - -<p>“Your Majesty, the secret service of the Bank -of England has kept Roderick Barclugh in the -French Court. He is on terms of intimacy -with Louis XVI. He associates with Benjamin -Franklin and the Colonial party; he keeps us -informed as to every phase of their affairs.”</p> - -<p>George III rubbed his hands in each other -and looked impatient but gracious, yet his eyes -had an anxious gleam as he nervously asked:</p> - -<p>“Is the recognition of the independence of -the Colonies possible and has it come at last? -What shall we do about it then, Mr. Prince?”</p> - -<p>“There is but one way to reconcile the Americans, -since Burgoyne’s surrender, your Majesty,” -replied the Bank Governor. “We must convince -the leaders of the army and the men of substance -in the Colonies, that a long-drawn-out war will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -ruin the country—that the return of peace will -establish commerce and prosperity; and that -allegiance to your Majesty’s person and crown -will give the protection that a young commonwealth -needs.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, very well, sir, but what means -are you going to use to convince these rebels?” -queried the monarch, impatiently, as he began -to comprehend the undertaking that began to -develop.</p> - -<p>“Not by warlike means, your Majesty, which -has cost your exchequer twenty thousand pounds -sterling for each and every rebel so far killed, -but by the most subtle subjection—that of diplomacy -and finance,” replied Mr. Prince (who -knew that the King had used this policy to carry -his desires through Parliament).</p> - -<p>“Ah, that is good,” exclaimed the King. “But -whom can we trust with such a delicate mission? -I have learned to depend upon the wisdom of -your money, but not upon persons. Can you -lay a plan that will accomplish the result? I -have so few men of the genius that you display, -Mr. Prince.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Prince now had the ear of the monarch, -and as George III showed his abject helplessness, -the holder of England’s purse-strings took advantage -of the situation to carry out the plot planned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> -in the “Old Cock” Tavern:</p> - -<p>“Your Majesty, we must send a Commission -to treat with the Colonists on the spot, when we -have turned the men of substance to a desire -for peace. We must send a skilled diplomat -among the Colonists, who will keep us informed -as to what the Colonists will do for peace if we -were to grant all their demands except independence. -This undertaking will be dangerous and -delicate. Our agent must gain the confidence -of the leaders within the rebel lines. He must -be one who can go without the least suspicion. -If he succeeds we must reward him by making -him Viceroy (an echo of the conspirators in the ‘Old -Cock’ Tavern) and by granting him a peerage -and a landed estate befitting his dignity of office.”</p> - -<p>“Agreed, Mr. Prince, but whom can you -recommend for such delicate commissions?” -asked the King, as he grew enthusiastic over -the plot, for George III loved intrigue.</p> - -<p>“Ah!” exclaimed “the arbiter of the power -of the purse” (the one great security of the rights -of Englishmen), as he bowed very low to the -monarch:</p> - -<p>“May it please your Majesty to entrust your -humble servant with so much privilege as to name -the one who is to save your Colonies. There -is no one that will respect your royal will with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -as much diligence as your faithful diplomat, -Roderick Barclugh. Then for the commissioner -to conclude your terms of peace, I would humbly -beg that you entrust such matters of importance -to your Lord Carlisle.”</p> - -<p>“Excellent! Excellent! Sir,” exclaimed the -King, “but where are these gentlemen? Command -them into my presence. My plans shall -be carried out at once. All that was needed -was to have a suggestion, for these have always -been my ideas, I now stand firmly on this idea -since you have seconded me; I have always stood -for it; England shall not lose her Colonies. I -am not to be outdone by the French. Where are -these gentlemen, sir?” asked the subtle monarch -of the President of the Bank of England.</p> - -<p>Mr. Prince bowed and left the King, for he -knew his character so well that there was nothing -more for him to do. He had carried his plans, -although His Majesty had finally claimed them -as his own.</p> - -<p>However, when the King asked for Roderick -Barclugh and Lord Carlisle, these worthy gentlemen -were close at hand (not by accident) but -by means of the finesse of the worthy George -Selwyn, who was a courtier of no mean order. -He had his pawns ready for the next move on -the checker-board.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>The King had now grown more self-conceited, -and when these worthy gentlemen came into -his private audience and both approached and -knelt in obeisance to his commands (for Mr. -Prince had given the cue of what was to happen -when he passed out), the King arose and said:</p> - -<p>“Lord Carlisle, arise. Mr. Barclugh, arise. -It is at your Sovereign’s commands that you -shall proceed to the shores of his rebellious Colonists -and use your persuasion to insure their allegiance -to the British Realm. Gentlemen, no means -must be spared to preserve the integrity of the -British Empire. May the blessings of God -pursue your endeavors. Follow the plans that -hath pleased the Almighty to have your Sovereign -prepare.”</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of this inspired speech, -His Majesty stepped toward Lord Carlisle and -Mr. Barclugh, and shook each by the hand -and spoke of the great pleasure that his duty -gave, whereupon these two representatives of -royalty retired in due form and respect from his -royal presence.</p> - -<p>When our commissioner and our secret agent -emerged from the august presence of George III, -they made straightway to the chariot of Lord -Carlisle and were driven post-haste to Brooks’ -Club. Carlisle alighted, but Barclugh went to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -the house of his chief, Mr. Prince, for he was -in London incognito.</p> - -<p>Fox at the head of the faro table was banker, -and Selwyn sat opposite, in the great green room -at Brooks’. The play was highly interesting -when Carlisle entered the room. The Bank -was two thousand pounds sterling to the good -and the night was but begun. Lord Carlisle -went to the side of Fox and spoke to him, who -turned the deal over to Gilly Williams. Selwyn -arose at a sign from Fox, and the three conspirators -left for a private room to discuss the new -phase of American politics.</p> - -<p>Fox, who was easily the leader of the Whig -coterie that centered in Brooks’ Club, opened -the discussion by remarking:</p> - -<p>“Has the ‘lunatic’ (George III) carried out -the plan?”</p> - -<p>“He has,” replied Carlisle, who had just left -his Majesty.</p> - -<p>“But who is this Barclugh? Can we depend -upon him? His task is almost superhuman,” -commented Fox to his cronies.</p> - -<p>“Barclugh is the grandson of Sir George -Barclugh of the plot to murder William of Orange,” -remarked Carlisle.</p> - -<p>“He will do, then,” assented Fox. “For -the followers of the Stuarts were the most remarkable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -zealots of any age.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and Barclugh has been the secret agent -of Mr. Prince, the President of the Bank of -England, at the court of Louis for five years -past. His reports have been reliable and I can -vouch for anything that he undertakes,” contended -Selwyn, who was the balance-wheel and -the diplomat of these choice spirits of Brooks’ -high play.</p> - -<p>“Very well, very well,” exclaimed Charles, -“you and Carlisle fix up the details; I must be -back, Gilly will ruin me. You and Carlisle -fix up these matters—whatever you do will suit -me. You know I must not leave the game,” -contended Fox, as he nervously spoke and returned -to the green room and hurried to his seat at the -head of the table where the banker sat turning -the cards for the coterie of gamesters.</p> - -<p>Selwyn now had an opportunity to go calmly -over the points at issue with Carlisle.</p> - -<p>“This war must be ended, my Lord,” said -Selwyn. “Give Barclugh every opportunity to -win the leaders. Keep the army, under that -drawing-room general, Sir Henry, at a respectful -distance from the wily Washington; let Barclugh -ply his arts among the substantial Colonists, -and you will return as the savior of the Colonies -and a Parliamentary grant will await you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>“But suppose the plans fail, George, what -then?” anxiously queried Carlisle.</p> - -<p>“Nothing fails that Britons put their hands -and hearts to,” expostulated Selwyn. “Start -to-morrow; be on the scene—Barclugh will follow. -Nothing daunts the ambitious Briton; we must -succeed, or ruin stares us in the face. The -continuous drain upon our resources at the gaming-table -has sapped our substance,—we must -have funds from government or give up our life -at the Club. Carlisle, the game depends upon -you.”</p> - -<p>Thus reasoned Selwyn, for he knew that the -select few who practised high play at Brooks’ -had exhausted the resources of their set, and -the only legitimate prey at hand was the funds -of government to be won at the game of Colonial -politics.</p> - -<p>Carlisle left on the first ship for New York, -and Barclugh was to leave as soon as Lord Germaine -could fix up the funds and credentials -for him to carry to the scene of war in America.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was fitted by environment -and education to become a diplomat of no mean -order. Born in 1749, his parentage a Scotch -father and a French mother—the rare combination -of shrewdness and finesse—whose traditions -on one side led back to the cause of the Stuarts,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -and a line of court favorites of the French monarch -on the other—distinguished him for a life of bold -intrigue.</p> - -<p>His grandfather, Sir George Barclugh, quit -his native land with the Pretender, James II. -His father was reared in Paris, and married the -French Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Marie La Fitte. -The union was happy and two sons were the issue. -The older was named George Barclugh and the -younger Roderick. The boys grew up surrounded -by all the elegant manners of the French Court -at this period.</p> - -<p>At twenty-two years of age Roderick Barclugh -could speak English, French and Spanish. He -was tall and vigorous in constitution; endowed -with shrewd, steely-blue eyes and a prominent -aquiline nose. Firmness and fortitude were in -every expression of his eyes and mouth. His -hair was reddish-brown in color—partaking -of the auburn locks of his Scotch grandfather, -and the black of his mother’s race.</p> - -<p>He was faultless in his easy manner when -in society of ladies, and when among men inclined -to be brusque and haughty. His eyes had a -merry assurance of good will; yet therein could -be found firmness, determination and passion. -His voice was trained for the dulcet tones of -persuasion, and, at will, he could command<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -the robust tones of his father’s race.</p> - -<p>Without effort Roderick Barclugh could control -his feelings and be nonchalant to sentiment, -and on necessary occasions be frivolous and gay. -His composition had all the artful diplomacy -of a French courtier and the canny ways of an -ingenious and bold Scotsman—altogether, a brilliant -and dangerous being.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Revolutionary</span> New York was enveloped -in an atmosphere of sombre unrest. The English -had driven out the patriot families; some loyalists, -however, who were persecuted in other colonies -sought refuge in New York, but they simply -became hangers-on at a huge military camp.</p> - -<p>Gayety was forced. The monotony of military -cares bore heavily upon the British leaders and -at length desperation was traced upon their -faces. There was no enterprise. Something -must be done or the spirit of militarism would die.</p> - -<p>Sir Henry Clinton, the Commander-in-Chief, -was fat and short. Punctilious with his officers, -formal,—even distant, in his manners—he was -not one to inspire enthusiasm. His face was -full, his nose was large and prominent, and -although an expression of animated intelligence -at times pervaded his countenance, still he -lacked the rare ability to inspire confidence and -conviction. He was simply in command because -favoritism had placed him there; he was a drawing-room -general.</p> - -<p>On a crisp day in November, General Clinton -and Lord Carlisle were surveying the landscape<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -from the drawing-room of the Beekman mansion, -which was a beautiful seat of revolutionary times, -and the chosen country residence of the British -Commander.</p> - -<p>The blue waters of the bay were whipped into -white waves as the nor’east gale swept over the -water. The energy of the wind broke forth -in sparkling waves upon the bosom of the harbor -and Sir Henry explained to Lord Carlisle how -the commerce of the new continent would center -in this haven that was now controlled by his -British forces. He gestured confidently as he -maintained that the admiralty had a base in -New York harbor from which to fit out its men-of-war -and carry on the conflict in any direction.</p> - -<p>In the midst of his laborious arguments Sir -Henry exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“My Lord, there comes one of our forty-four-gun -frigates! Zounds! She’s standing right up -to the inner anchorage. She may be a messenger -from our War Lord, Germaine.”</p> - -<p>Sir Henry took up his spying-glass and stepped -out upon the portico to see what ship it might be.</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle walked back and forth impatiently, -while Sir Henry closely watched the movements -of the ship.</p> - -<p>These two men differed in their plans for the -conduct of the war. Lord Carlisle wished to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -offer a proclamation to the Colonists, openly -conceding everything that the people demanded -except absolute independence. But Sir Henry -chafed under this means of procedure. He saw -that such a course implied the failure of the -military to deal with the problem of subduing -the Americans. He contended that a decisive -stroke must be made by the army before any -terms should be offered the rebellious Colonists.</p> - -<p>Carlisle spoke impatiently when the ship was -looming up in full view:</p> - -<p>“I hope that Germaine has sent Barclugh with -definite instructions as to our course. We are -losing valuable time and opportunity here by reason -of our inactivity.”</p> - -<p>This last word was a distinct challenge to Clinton, -who lowered his glass long enough to look -squarely at Carlisle and remark spiritedly:</p> - -<p>“There is no use to waste words, my Lord. -We cannot afford to sacrifice the reputation of -English arms; it would be suicidal. Treat with -the rascals? Yes, when they have felt the force -of our power. Now that they have formed an -alliance with our ancient enemy we must deal -them a crushing blow, first.”</p> - -<p>Carlisle, however, was insisting upon the right -of the commissioners to dictate the policy, yet -he did not care how the results were attained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -so long as his mission to America was successful. -Fox and Selwyn would see that he was properly -rewarded, provided the Colonies were not lost.</p> - -<p>“Very good, Sir Henry,” retorted Carlisle, -when the General stood before him in an attitude -of defiance, “but the longer that we wait, the -farther apart we drift. I am intent upon activities -in one way or another.”</p> - -<p>“There she comes to,” continued Sir Henry, -as he resumed his spying investigations. “By -the speed that she comes up the bay, I believe -that she may be the Prince Harry, the fastest -cruiser of the Admiralty’s register.”</p> - -<p>“How deluded these rebels are to hold out against -such odds on the sea,” exclaimed Sir Henry, -with animation. “How magnificent to behold -the seamanship of our sailors! Behold them -swarm the yard-arms! There go the anchors -to the catheads! She swings to the cable! Her -sails are stowed in a twinkling! What discipline! -I maintain our sovereignty of the seas and we have -no business to beg a settlement except at our own -terms,” concluded General Clinton as he turned -upon Lord Carlisle, waving his little fat hands -and arms majestically.</p> - -<p>Carlisle saw where Sir Henry had placed him -when he appealed to an Englishman’s vanity, -his ships; but he looked at General Clinton<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -through those blue eyes for an instant and fell -back upon the only argument that an Englishman -could never withstand.</p> - -<p>“But, Sir Henry, you do not comprehend,” -argued Carlisle, “what an expenditure of treasure -this war has already cost the King’s exchequer. -Mr. Prince, the Governor of the Bank of England, -says: ‘We shall all be paupers by this everlasting -drain on our gold.’ Sir Henry, I represent -the financial side of this problem.”</p> - -<p>“Well, my Lord,” retorted Sir Henry, “all -that I can say to your argument is, that with -your money power, as now constituted, having -your Bank Governor at the throat of our nation, -you will make cowards of us all. We shall lose -the toil of two centuries and the sacrifices of -twenty generations of Englishmen in colonizing -a wilderness. For what? For the dross called -pounds sterling! The Colonists are unruly children. -Chastise them and then bring them back -home and treat them generously.”</p> - -<p>Carlisle now paced nervously up and down -the portico, evidently thinking of how he would -turn the last argument of Sir Henry, when the -little fat body of the General fairly bubbled over -with pugnacity as he grew red in the face and -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“If the War Lord would give me the men to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -chastise the rebels well, and not listen to the -whining Bank Governor, we could wage a successful -campaign and make an honorable peace.”</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle held his peace and glared at -Clinton.</p> - -<p>Now General Clinton turned toward the bay -and there beheld events transpiring that turned -the temper of his conversation.</p> - -<p>“Zounds!” he exclaimed. “They have lowered -a boat and are making for the Battery. -There must be despatches or important personages -aboard.”</p> - -<p>He raised his glass and looked upon the boat’s -crew approaching the shore.</p> - -<p>“We need not bother ourselves,” contended -Sir Henry, “Andre will forward anything of -importance to us.”</p> - -<p>The two representatives of government then -returned to the drawing-room to get out of the -biting wind and to indulge in a bottle of Madeira -for old England’s sake.</p> - -<p>At the office of the Commander-in-Chief, -No. 1 Broadway, was Major John Andre -who had come from the capture of Charleston -with General Clinton as Adjutant General of -the English Army. He was unmarried and -young and affable. His lodgings were in the -same house as the General’s office and he dined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -at the King’s Arms Tavern, No. 9 Broadway, -a few doors from his quarters.</p> - -<p>As soon as the boat could land from the Prince -Harry, no time was lost in forwarding the despatches -to headquarters.</p> - -<p>A passenger came ashore, a young man dressed -in the style of a Parisian of fashion. He had -travelled under an assumed name, for even -the British naval officers were not to know his -mission. The arrangement of his queue was -faultless. His satins and sword, his laces and -high-heeled shoes, indicated the courtier. But -Pierre La Fitte was none other than Roderick -Barclugh on his mission for the King of England.</p> - -<p>When Major Andre appeared in the ante-room -of the headquarters of General Clinton, -he extended his hand to this strange gentleman -cordially and said:</p> - -<p>“I believe that I have the honor of addressing -M. Pierre La Fitte.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I am called,” replied the stranger.</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir,” continued Andre. “I will -take you to my quarters as I understand that you -are on a secret mission.”</p> - -<p>When Major Andre had received the despatches -there was one in cipher marked “important” -and it read as follows:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Whitehall, Sept. 25, 177—</p> - -<p>“Sir: I have the honor to send on a particular -secret Mission to America, our esteemed Friend, -M. Pierre La Fitte.</p> - -<p>“He accompanies this despatch and his Identity -must be kept a profound Secret.</p> - -<p>“Provide him with secret and suitable Quarters -and put him in communication with General -Clinton and Lord Carlisle at the earliest possible -moment.</p> - -<p class="right">“Geo. Germaine.</p> - -<p>“Adj’t. Gen. John Andre.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>As soon as Major Andre had conducted M. -La Fitte to sleeping apartments adjoining his -own, and had made the stranger welcome, he -sent a courier with despatches and information -to the Beekman House that M. La Fitte would -be accompanied by himself to meet Lord Carlisle -and the General.</p> - -<p>La Fitte rested until nightfall when darkness -would conceal his movements.</p> - -<p>A post-chaise drew up in front of the headquarters -and two gentlemen disguised in great-coats -emerged from the building and made their -way to the carriage.</p> - -<p>The three miles to the Beekman House were -quickly covered and the secret agent alighted -with Major Andre. The two approached the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -mansion and a sentry challenged them, but -the Adjutant was recognized and allowed to -enter. A liveried footman announced the two -to the General who greeted them eagerly in the -reception room.</p> - -<p>“We are gratified to have you with us, Mr. -Barclugh, and we believe that the nature of your -mission will not let you remain in our midst -very long.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to hear you address me by my -own name, General Clinton,” responded Barclugh. -“My voyage has been tedious, indeed, under -my assumed name of M. La Fitte.”</p> - -<p>The sealed instructions on Barclugh’s mission -had been forwarded by Major Andre to the -Beekman House and they were as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Whitehall, 24 Sept, 177—</p> - -<p>“Sir: I have the great Pleasure of conveying -the King’s Commands, by introducing to you Mr. -Roderick Barclugh who is commissioned to act -as the Special Secret Agent of His Majesty to -the Men of Substance among his Rebellious -Colonists.</p> - -<p>“When the Duration of the Rebellion is considered, -it has been mortifying to his Majesty -to have no decisive Blow inflicted to speedily -suppress the rebels; and His Majesty commands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -me to instruct that your Assistance to the Diplomacy -of Mr. Barclugh and Lord Carlisle would -be most gratifying to His Royal Pleasure.</p> - -<p>“It is a great Pleasure to me to have another -Occasion of obeying the King’s Commands -by desiring you to convey to Lord Carlisle, His -Majesty’s approbation of His Lordship’s mission -to America.</p> - -<p>“I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,</p> - -<p class="right">“Geo. Germaine.</p> - -<p>“Sir Henry Clinton, K. B.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>Lord Carlisle was much flattered by the -receipt of the King’s encouragement, although -Clinton noted in the letter a slight expression -of unrest over the lack of results in the war.</p> - -<p>However, Clinton did not take all of the burden -of blame on himself; Lords Howe and Cornwallis -had made some of the mistakes in the Jersey -Campaigns and he was willing for the diplomatists -to take a hand at the subjugation of the rebels, -for a while, at least. They had talked much, -as usual; now let them try their skill at results.</p> - -<p>Sir Henry had to give some instructions to -his Adjutant, so he turned to Roderick Barclugh -as he remarked:</p> - -<p>“Excuse me for a few moments, Mr. Barclugh. -I have some urgent matters to dispose of.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” returned Barclugh as he took up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> -a discussion of affairs with Lord Carlisle, asking:</p> - -<p>“What is the situation here, my Lord?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s hard to convince these military people,” -answered Carlisle as he pointed his thumb over -his shoulder in the direction of General Clinton -and Andre.</p> - -<p>“I presume so,” assented Barclugh, dryly, -as he shrugged his shoulders. “But what have -you done, my Lord, on <i>your</i> mission?” asked -Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Oh, nothing but to wait for you,” answered -Carlisle disgustedly.</p> - -<p>“Well, we must do something very soon, or -know the cause,” declared Barclugh as General -Clinton approached them.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” remarked General Clinton, “we -might better retire to the Council Chamber and -discuss our matters there. Shall I send for Mr. -Eden, my Lord?”</p> - -<p>“Never mind Eden, General,” replied Carlisle. -“Mr. Barclugh is anxious to conclude with us -and be about his own mission. I know that -he is impatient at least to be out of New York,” -replied Carlisle bluntly.</p> - -<p>“Very well, very well, gentlemen,” assented -Clinton as he led the way to the staircase and -bowed to the other two in Pickwickian fashion -as he said:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>“After you,” and he bowed and gestured -toward the staircase with his chubby hand.</p> - -<p>A bright fire crackled in the fireplace of a nearly -square room where the diplomats were to hold -council with the Commander-in-Chief; a round -table in the center contained a large map of the -Colonies; a half dozen straight-backed bandy-legged -chairs stood around carelessly; and a -corner closet with a glass door was well stocked -with a choice selection of Madeira.</p> - -<p>Here were three representatives of English -authority presented with the problem of subduing -the rebellious Colonies. Each one, however, had -his own pet theory of serving the King, ostensibly -for the glory of the King, but primarily to gain -glory for himself.</p> - -<p>Clinton could see no means of ending the war -except by military subjugation; Carlisle was -entirely for conciliation and Barclugh was bent -on subornation. All of these theories were -launched upon the Colonists at the same time -by the subtle minds of George III and his advisers.</p> - -<p>Barclugh was impatient to begin the discussion, -so he pulled his chair up to the table and began -to tell his story unceremoniously:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, my mission is to create a diversion -among the men of substance in the Colonies, -and I shall do it on a commercial basis. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -the military can do its part and pound the army -of Mr. Washington into a defensive position -and at the same time subjugate the southern -Colonies as is planned by the War Lord, I will -overcome the men of substance by means of -finance and commerce. Their commercial instincts -will overshadow the phantom of independence. -The merchants will desire peace and -the old order of stable money and settled commerce. -They cannot resist the consideration of self-interests. -Then Lord Carlisle and his commissioners -can proclaim that the Colonists may have -all of the political freedom and the representation -that they desire, as long as they keep up their -allegiance to the throne of England.</p> - -<p>“But above all where the Colonists will fail,” -concluded Barclugh, “will be in their lack of -gold. When the gold of England is put in the -balance, the men of substance will see the hopelessness -of their cause.”</p> - -<p>“Right you are, Mr. Barclugh!” exclaimed -Lord Carlisle. “We can grant them a few -titles of nobility also which they will not be able -to resist.”</p> - -<p>“But gentlemen,” added Clinton, “the military -could put the forces of Mr. Washington on the -defensive at once if we could only take that -stronghold of West Point. That is our stumbling-block.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> -Our ships could control the Hudson -and cut New England off from the rest, if we could -ascend above West Point. There lies the key -to the military situation. West Point is the -Gibraltar of America.</p> - -<p>“But,” continued Clinton, “how do you propose -to reach Philadelphia, Mr. Barclugh?”</p> - -<p>“My plan is, General Clinton,” replied Barclugh, -“to embark here, on one of your ships -which will take me to the east shore of the Chesapeake -Bay and land me in the night. I shall -make my way by land through Delaware to -Wilmington, thence to Philadelphia. My story -shall be that I was landed by a French privateer -that was cruising in these waters.”</p> - -<p>“Very well laid, sir!” exclaimed General -Clinton, rubbing his hands. “I have the very -ship, the Vulture, Captain Sutherland, that can -take you on board at once and proceed on the -mission.”</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I can conceive of nothing but -success in the plans of Mr. Barclugh,” said -Lord Carlisle, “and I propose that we drink -to his success.”</p> - -<p>The three plotters stood around the table -and General Clinton filled each one’s glass from -the buffet with his rarest Madeira, then raising -his glass, the Commander of His Majesty’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -forces in America, proposed a toast, which was -drunk in silence:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - - -<div class="first">“Confound their politics,</div> -<div class="verse">Frustrate their knavish tricks,</div> -<div class="indent">God save the King.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>After a few civilities exchanged by the King’s -representatives, Roderick Barclugh was conducted -aboard the sloop-of-war, Vulture, which was commanded -to sail for the Capes of the Chesapeake -and land its passenger at the earliest possible -moment.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Philadelphia</span> was in a curious state of unpatriotic -sentiment during the winter of 1778. -The merchants, the Quakers and wealthy landowners -(whose fortunes were established) had -sentiments that were decidedly pro-English. Only -the leadership and influence of such men as -Franklin, Mifflin, Thomson and the influx of -patriotism from other Colonies through such men -as Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Jefferson, -Livingston, and the peerless actions of Washington -alone saved the least spark of independence -among the leading citizens. Philadelphia reeked -with Loyalists. After the evacuation of the -town by the British army, it was impossible -for the Whigs to celebrate such a glorious event -by an exclusively Whig ball. All the belles -of the town embraced a list of those who had -attended every social function of the British -officers. They dined where the King was toasted; -attended theatricals where our native land was -ridiculed. Even the glorious heraldic pageant of -the Meschianza claimed homage, from the belles -of the leading families.</p> - -<p>The meekness of the Quakers and their horrors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -of war (upon religious principle) were changed -to loud acclamations of joy when the British -occupied their town. Quakers shook their heads -and looked religiously solemn whenever the -patriots asked for money and provisions; but -when the British presented their demands for -supplies, the Philadelphia Quakers smiled graciously -and gave without stint. The actions of -many of these good people were very questionable -during the trying times of the Revolution.</p> - -<p>Into this atmosphere of Toryism Roderick -Barclugh arrived from New York. Besides the -secret instructions of the Governor of the Bank -of England and the King’s Minister of War, -Lord George Germaine, Barclugh brought with -him a passport into the confidence of the leading -patriots. The British secret agent had secured -a letter of introduction to Charles Thomson, -Secretary of Congress, from Benjamin Franklin. -The French monarch had secured these credentials -for Barclugh on account of the former -fidelity of his family to the Pretender.</p> - -<p>The letter was addressed as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Paris, Nov. 20, 1777.</p> - -<p>“My dear Sir:</p> - -<p>“With much personal satisfaction, the interests -and influence of our friend M. Roderick Barclugh -have been enlisted in our cause. He comes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -to us with the best of credentials of the French -Monarch. He will represent the interests of -some of France’s leading men of wealth, and -is desirous of securing Letters of Marque and -Reprisal from our Congress for the purpose of -engaging in privateering.</p> - -<p>“Your cordial co-operation in his affairs is -solicited.</p> - -<p>“Believe me, sir, with sentiments of unabated -esteem,</p> - -<p class="right">“Your most obedient servant,<br /> -“B. Franklin.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Charles Thomson,<br /> -<span class="gap">“Secretary of Congress,</span><br /> -<span class="gap2">“Philadelphia, Pa.”</span></p></blockquote> - -<p>Thus protected with the best passport obtainable, -a representative of the Bank of England -and of the War Lord took up his abode in Philadelphia.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was at once introduced -to the leading firm of traders and privateersmen, -Milling & FitzMaurice. They received him -very cordially, especially when he asked them -if they would honor his drafts on account of his -Bills of Exchange on the Bank of Amsterdam -for twenty thousand pounds sterling. The senior -member of this firm, Mr. Thomas Milling, was very -gracious at once. He invited Roderick Barclugh<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -to make any convenience out of his compting-rooms, -at least, until such times as he could -settle himself in his own quarters.</p> - -<p>In 1777 Philadelphia contained about thirty -thousand souls. Front Street, which ran parallel -with the Delaware River, and Market Street, which -ran at right angles to the river, were the principal -thoroughfares for both business and residence. -The merchants, traders, lawyers and doctors -were principally to be found on Front Street -and a few on Market Street. There were no -banks in Philadelphia at that time. All the -merchants had strong boxes of their own.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh engaged a house on Front -Street near Market Street, one of those commodious -Colonial houses used by traders at that time -for both business and lodging purposes. The -room on the first floor fronting on the street -was used as an office for general business; and -immediately in the rear of this room was the -private office of Roderick Barclugh, wherein -all the infamy of commercialism that “excludes -alike the virtues and the prejudices that stand -in the way of its interest,” held sway.</p> - -<p>The second story of this building contained -the sleeping apartments of the British agent. -He had a clerk for his compting-room and a -man-servant to be general lackey. He maintained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -no household as his meals were served -him in a private dining-room at the Boar’s Head -Tavern, next door. All of his affairs were maintained -in great privacy. Therefore, the clerk -and servant performed their daily services and -lived apart from their master.</p> - -<p>Thus situated, business began to open up -for Roderick Barclugh, Financier. Characters -through whom negotiations were to be developed -were not lacking. Philadelphia society rankled -with Toryism that threw itself into the dust -at any pretext for aristocratic government. Even -some of the leaders in the Whig party of the town -openly supported Congress because it was to -their interest, but privately could see no good in -the advanced theories of democracy as upheld -by Samuel Adams.</p> - -<p>The merchant princes who had privateers -scouring the seas for booty had reason for the -war to continue and give them license to prey -on commerce, but when order should be re-established, -wished an aristocratic government -for the enjoyment of their gains.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was soon a high favorite -among the merchants. Robert FitzMaurice was -the Financier General of Congress, and his -commercial house of Milling & FitzMaurice -was being enriched in every possible channel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -The credit that this public position gave him, -advanced his gains in trade and privateering. -His credit allowed him to build ships. Nearly -every week a privateer of his commission was -bringing in a richly-laden merchantman as a -prize to his wharves in the Delaware. These -cargoes enriched Milling & FitzMaurice to the -amount of 800,000 pounds sterling while the -war lasted. Is it any wonder that this firm -should make loans to the Continental Congress -since they were merely putting capital into their -stock in trade?</p> - -<p>One man at this time standing in the light -of public opinion as the antithesis of Thomas -Paine in his philosophy of <i>Common Sense</i>, was -James Wilson, a leading lawyer of Philadelphia, -and a writer of no mean abilities. He was the -intimate friend of Robert FitzMaurice, and an -adviser in the aristocratic plans of the financier. -Whatever were the plans of the men of substance -for monarchial forms in government, this clever -lawyer was ever ready to advocate these principles -by means of pamphlets and after-dinner speeches. -He was making a fortune in the practice of law -when the country was in the very throes of despair, -but this Scotchman knew wherein his fat fees lay.</p> - -<p>But Roderick Barclugh did not confine his -attention to the merchants and lawyers alone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -in pursuing his plans. One of the channels -through which he pursued the objects of his mission -was a fishmonger of the town,—Sven Svenson.</p> - -<p>In a raging snowstorm of the winter of 1772, -a small Norwegian bark was making its course -to the Swedish settlements of the Delaware, -with a company of Swedish emigrants. The -ship met an undeserved fate on the sands of the -Jersey Coast. The whole ship’s company perished -in the frigid blasts of a northeast gale in January, -save one,—Sven Svenson, a young and vigorous -Swede, eighteen years of age. He was found -numb, and almost exhausted, by a party of Jersey -fishermen. They cared for him and took him -to their homes.</p> - -<p>These fishermen plied in the oyster trade of -Philadelphia with the oysters at that time found -in the estuaries of the mouth of the Delaware -River. Two trips a week with a sloop were made -from Philadelphia to the oyster beds and back. -In this trade, Sven at once turned his hand. -He was a handy sailor-man,—industrious and -saving.</p> - -<p>At the time when Roderick Barclugh arrived -in Philadelphia, one of the best known and -happiest men in the town was Sven Svenson. -He had taken hold of the responsible end of -the oyster trade himself. Any day, in oyster<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -season, one could find this flaxen-haired Swede -pushing a wheel-barrow up and down Market -Street and through Front Street,—opening a -dozen here and a dozen there for passers-by. -Everybody ate them on the half-shell, tempered -with a squirt of pepper-“sass” from a three-cornered -bottle having a goosequill through the cork. -Every one liked Sven; not alone for the happy -smile with which he opened you an oyster; but -he gave it with a sly wink and an extra squirt of -“sass,” that pleased.</p> - -<p>The mistresses of the best households held -Sven as a prime favorite, since, whenever they -gave an order for a feast, they could depend -upon having their orders filled. He also supplied -their tastes with the best in the market.</p> - -<p>There were no family secrets but Sven heard -them through the servants, or else he happened -upon those little wordy duels which occur in -the best of families. Moreover, as many Swedish -girls were in domestic service it was an easy -matter for Sven to hear all the choice gossip of -the town.</p> - -<p>After settling himself into his bachelor quarters, -one of the first things that Roderick Barclugh -undertook was to take early morning walks -all over the town for knowledge of the people. -On several of these observation journeys, he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> -passed this pumpkin-faced Swede, who, on -general principles, saluted every person of note -with a most gracious courtesy and removal of -his hat.</p> - -<p>Barclugh, noticing how good-naturedly everybody -stopped Sven’s wheel-barrow, and how -many patronized his fresh oysters, recognized -in this guileless vender of shellfish a master-key -to all the town’s frailties. Following up his -observations, the next day when he met Sven -on his morning rounds,—merrily pushing his -wheel-barrow up Market Street, dressed in leather -breeches, white cap and apron,—the fishmonger -stopped and bowed low, half recognizing Barclugh’s -desire to speak.</p> - -<p>“How do you sell your wares, my good man?” -spoke Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Sax pence ahl vat you eet, sahr,” was the -prompt reply.</p> - -<p>“All right, let us have some of the smallest, -with no pepper-sauce, my man. I like them -briny. Are these from the deep salt water?” -continued Barclugh, thus to draw out Sven, -who bustled around to please his new customer.</p> - -<p>With a jerky motion he opened a choice bivalve -and held it up for Barclugh to eat on the half-shell.</p> - -<p>A roguish twinkle gleamed in his eye when -his customer had taken the oyster with a smack<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -of his lips. Sven held out the other half of the -shell and with his oyster knife pointing to the -fine purplish coloring of the inside, said:</p> - -<p>“Das wass a he-oeystar, and ahl maan got -some by me. Van maan eet plaanty he-oeystar -and papper-saass he feel strang ahl daay. Das -wass samting vat halps fadder and strangtans -modder.”</p> - -<p>The Swede could have gone on about his -oysters at any length as long as his customer -would eat, but getting enough “he-oysters,” Barclugh -handed him a sixpence and at the same -time slipping a crown piece into his hand, asked:</p> - -<p>“Do you know General Arnold?”</p> - -<p>“Yah,” replied Sven, who looked startled and -astonished as he grasped the coin, and squared -himself up to tell <i>all</i> that he knew.</p> - -<p>“I haf baan in dis kontry sax yahr and sax -monts. My name is Sven Svenson, and my -brodder’s garl varks for Mrs. Arnold. Ganral -Arnold eats plaanty he-oeystar and owes me -tan pound starling. Mrs. Arnold haf a strang -tongue and talks to the Ganral to yump his -yob and vark for dee Angleesh.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh smiled and left Sven still eager to -tell more, showing unconcern by hastily departing, -yet when walking briskly along he thought to -himself:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>“The Swede loves money and his knowledge -must be mine. Arnold can not long resist his -wife and my offers too.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> the dinner party at the FitzMaurice’s, -the next morning was ominous with sullen clouds -in the Arnold homestead. The servants were -gliding from room to room in sober mien; conversations -were carried on in whispers. The -Madam was served with breakfast in her room, -and the General had no appetite. The office -of the Commandant of Philadelphia was streaked -with strata of dark blue vitriolic language.</p> - -<p>The first caller was Sven Svenson, who approached -the sentinel before the General’s office -door. The two fell into conversation.</p> - -<p>“Haf Ganral Arnold been up?” asked Sven -as he came near the sentinel, with his hat in -his hand.</p> - -<p>“I reckon not, Sven, he was mighty weak-kneed -when he came home last night,” was -the sentinel’s reply.</p> - -<p>“Das varking maan haf to vark and vark -for hees pay, and de Ganral eets and dreenks -ahl day ant ahl night. Hee talks so hard at -mee I haf to valk oudt ant svore I vas beat.”</p> - -<p>“How much does the General owe you now, -Sven?” asked the sentinel in an undertone.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>“Tan pound starling for goot oeystar vat -Mistrees Arnold vants for hair beeg koumpanee.”</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha! Sven, you are in luck it’s not more,” -blurted out the honest-faced Virginian who -was standing guard at the Commandant’s office. -“This Connecticut apothecary and horse-trader -has succeeded to a position where he can gratify -his desires for extravagant living, but if he keeps -on in his present course, he will ruin our cause; -but he has a spouse who leads him a good race, -Sven.”</p> - -<p>“Yah, Mistrees Arnold vent to ahl dee baals -and deenirs vid Major Andre and dee Angleesh -offeecirs as vas here een Pheeladalpheeia laast -veentir,” said the Swede.</p> - -<p>“Hush, hush, Sven, here comes the General,” -whispered the sentinel, as he came to attention -and saluted General Arnold who passed to -his small office building next his residence.</p> - -<p>Arnold did not look at Sven, but a scowl came -over his brow as he passed into the little office -room, slamming the door behind him.</p> - -<p>Sven then approached the door very cautiously -and rapped. An imperious voice inside roared:</p> - -<p>“Come in.”</p> - -<p>The first greeting Sven got was:</p> - -<p>“What the devil you want here? Haven’t -I told you not to come around here and bother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -me? I haven’t any money. So that settles it. -Get right out of here.”</p> - -<p>“But, Ganral Arnold, I need some maaney -to——”</p> - -<p>“Money, money,” roared the Commander as -he arose from his seat and paced up and down -the floor, never heeding the Swede. “Money! -It is the nightmare of my life. I went to that -dinner to drown the thoughts of the cursed stuff, -but the only thing said by the nabobs was to get -it, and the need of it comes upon me at arising. -By thunder! I shall get it! I was never born -to bear these pangs.</p> - -<p>“Sven,” turning to the Swede, “go and tell -Johnson, in the kitchen, to bring me a hot rum -and have one yourself.”</p> - -<p>“Ahl right, Ganral,” replied Sven, as he rubbed -his hands gleefully, and made his retreat, glad -to have a whole skin left.</p> - -<p>The next caller was Captain Samuel Risk, -of the Privateer Holker.</p> - -<p>“Good morning, General. I’ve just come -in with the snuggest kind of a prize,—a West -Indian brig loaded out for home with sugar, -rum and coffee for London merchants. She -will net the firm of Milling & FitzMaurice -ten thousand pounds sterling, and I have a neat -little share besides.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>“What! ten thousand pounds sterling? Is it -possible? Why, that firm of Milling & FitzMaurice -must be very prosperous. I wish I -could get into a little of that kind of business -myself. My expenses of living are very great, -Captain, and I must make something by commerce.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, General, that is a very easy -matter.”</p> - -<p>“Why, Captain, are there any chances?”</p> - -<p>“Chances? Bless your soul, plenty, sir, plenty -sir,” said the Captain. “All that we need are -stern men, not too scrupulous and who can do -a thing in such a way that the right hand will -not know what the left hand does.”</p> - -<p>“Ha! ha!” laughed Arnold. “Why, sir, -you know I used to be a trader myself at one -time,—a New England trader, sir. Before -the war, sir, I used to drive my team and sleigh -by way of Lake George to Canada and trade -Yankee notions for horses. Then I would drive -the horses overland and take them on a brig -to the West Indies and trade them there for -sugar, rum and molasses. So you see I am a -trader, sir,—a New England horse-trader.”</p> - -<p>“Well, if you are a horse-trader, General, you -will do. We have an order from a merchant -in New York for two thousand barrels of flour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -and we need a passport for the proper individual -to pass through our lines to New York and return -in order to effect the necessary business arrangements. -If the trade goes through successfully we -can afford to give you one third of the profits. We -expect confidently to make about $10,000 out of -the transaction in gold, and your share, General, -will surely be $3000.”</p> - -<p>“That’s merely a business transaction between -private individuals and it will harm no one. -But, Captain, could you make any advances on -the profits, for I am very much in need of $1000 -to-day and if it matters not to you, I will ask -you for this amount now?” eagerly questioned -Arnold.</p> - -<p>“I would willingly make it $1000, General, -only I have just $500 of gold with me; but I can -give you that,” as he counts out the gold on the -desk for General Arnold and keenly looks at him.</p> - -<p>“Very well, Captain, that will help me out. -It is settled,” said Arnold, as he grasped the gold -and put it into his pockets with avidity.</p> - -<p>“But remember, simply give me the name -of the individual and I will furnish him with -the passport through our lines, but do not let me -know anything about his business.”</p> - -<p>“That’s well, General, for commerce knows -no country,” were the concluding remarks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> -Captain Risk as he bowed and started for the -door. “I will be here to-morrow for the document. -Good day, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Good day, sir, but bring the other $500 if -possible; I need it,” contended Arnold.</p> - -<p>“If possible, General,” was the response, and -the privateersman left Arnold to go directly to -the office of Roderick Barclugh.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IX</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> FitzMaurice dinner and the reception -at Dorminghurst were revelations to Roderick -Barclugh. He learned that Arnold had a passion -for luxury and no discretion as to its cost; then -he became convinced that the lawyers and clergy -and merchants feared a democratic form of -government.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was possessed of wonderful -resources to accomplish his ends. The next -morning very early he sent his clerk for Captain -Samuel Risk of the Privateer Holker, in which -ship he held the controlling interest. Arnold’s -cupidity must be tried at once.</p> - -<p>As Captain Risk came into Barclugh’s private -office, the first sound that greeted his ears was:</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Captain Risk, can you depend -on your crew to transfer two thousand barrels -of flour to a neutral ship flying the ensign of Holland -in a convenient harbor off Long Island? -There’s $20,000 to be divided up in it.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I can do it. State your necessities -in the case. What will be the ship’s share?” -was the prompt answer of the intrepid Captain.</p> - -<p>“From private advices, a merchant in New<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -York wants the flour for his account. I need a -passport to get to New York to have the money -advanced and the business concluded. Arnold -needs money and his share in the transaction -will be $3000, the ship’s share $10,000 and -protection from capture guaranteed. See Arnold -at once, and here is $500 to advance him for his -promise to deliver the passport.”</p> - -<p>“Agreed, Mr. Barclugh, and I’ll have that -vainglorious upstart tied up in this business -within an hour. I shall return here at once -with the prize,” was the reply of the gingery, -little, red-faced Captain as he went out the door -on his mission.</p> - -<p>Barclugh turned to his clerk in the compting-room -and sent him to engage two thousand barrels -of flour for export on the Brigantine Holker from -Milling & FitzMaurice, who now held merchandise -for the account of Roderick Barclugh in large sums—the -result of successful privateering cruises. -But as a matter of fact the flour shipment was merely -a cloak to carry on a deeper scheme. Barclugh -had constant communication with Sir Henry -Clinton, the British Commander, but he needed -a safe passport for himself to New York and -return in order to explain the details of his plot -to ensnare Arnold with British gold. He must -go in person to the British Commander-in-Chief<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -for the matter was of such delicate and intricate -nature that there must be no mishaps.</p> - -<p>The flour transaction would simply pay the -expenses of the enterprise, because the difference -in the price of flour between New York and -Philadelphia was twelve dollars a barrel, and -the supply was very short at the former place.</p> - -<p>While Barclugh was revolving these problems -in his mind, Captain Risk returned and stated -in his straightforward manner:</p> - -<p>“The shark is securely hooked, and is desperately -in need of money. That young and -gay wife of his is an expensive luxury. He has -promised the passport, taken the $500 and wants -$500 more.”</p> - -<p>“That is too much to advance. He will have -to wait for the balance till your return. The -$3000 promised him will lead him on to new -hopes in extravagance and he will be eager for -more when he gets his full share. Ha, ha! so -he took the gold eagerly, did he? Prosperity -intoxicates him. He has desperate courage, and -cares not for consequences to himself,—nor -to others. He is capable of as much evil as good -to his cause. Let’s see, Captain, I’ll have the -name for the passport ready to-morrow. You -may get your ship ready and load on the flour; -for, if the trade falls through, you can slip down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -to Havana with your cargo.”</p> - -<p>“That’s well, Mr. Barclugh, I’ll have my -crew shipped and the cargo loaded and be lying -in the stream awaiting your orders inside the -week.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Captain, if you should go to Havana -you will bring home one of those West Indian -fellows and then you will be able to retire and -buy an estate,” was the mirthful turn of Barclugh’s -planning.</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir. Then when I’m land-sick I -can sell a farm and go to sea. What a luxury -that would be! But I was never born to be -a land-lubber, sir. Good day, I’ll get the passport -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“Good day, Captain,” said Barclugh, as he -followed the skipper to the door.</p> - -<p>“We must use Arnold for our business,” rang -in the ears of Captain Risk from Barclugh, while -he walked jauntily off to go aboard his ship.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER X</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Captain Risk</span> was astir early next morning, -called at the office of Roderick Barclugh, and -secured the fictitious name for the passport. -He then at once went to the office of General -Arnold on Market Street.</p> - -<p>Arnold was in a happier mood than the day -previous. The expectancy of an easy $3000 had -given him a chance to see some relief from his -hopeless financial entanglements.</p> - -<p>From the developments of the past few days -he thus reasoned to himself, as he paced nervously -up and down his small office floor:</p> - -<p>“Wherever that $3000 is to come from there -surely must be more for me if my part of the -contract were zealously performed. But who -can be the person or persons that are carrying -through these transactions? Captain Risk is -only the skipper of the Privateer Holker; who -has the money? I’ll find out, by thunder! Just -give Arnold a chance. These pangs of debt -gnaw at the very core of my mental existence. -I would be honorable, but the slavery of financial -obligations drives me to desperate means of relief. -Money! money!! money!!! What would I not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -do just now for 20,000 pounds in gold? Ha, ha! -General Washington would not dare to reprimand -me for my extravagance. I would not dodge -every one then, fearing a demand for that which -I have not. Then,—O God, my wife’s social -position would be secure. To get money nowadays -you must look for it among those who have -it,—not among the poverty-stricken Colonists. -The English have money and, by thunder, they -have gratitude for the services of their generals. -If I had been fighting on the English side I would -not now have been begging. I would have had a -title,—Lord Arnold of Saratoga,—an estate, a -pension, and a settled position for myself and -family for such services as I rendered at Bemis -Heights. Bah! what reward have I now in -fighting for the rights of mankind? I ought -to fight for the glory of a King; then I would be -sensible; Mrs. Arnold tells me so, and she must -be right. But then, could I have fought in blinding -snowstorm from cake to cake of ice, and travelled -over snow in bare and bleeding feet, starved and -bled from gaping wounds, for money? Never! -never!! But then I was free, reckless, and wedded -to the profession of a soldier,—now I am linked -to the ambition and tastes of an aristocratic -lady. As a man to whom shall be my duty,—to -my country or to my wife? Arnold was never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -a coward,—my wife shall prevail!”</p> - -<p>In such a reverie of conflicting thoughts was -Arnold wrapped, when a loud rap at the office -door caused him to face about and, assuming -a military posture, sharply command:</p> - -<p>“Come in.”</p> - -<p>“Good morning, General Arnold, I am here -for the passport, and we are ready to load the -flour and to start the messenger to New York. -The messenger’s name is Pierre La Fitte,” was -the direct, businesslike way in which the little -sea-captain approached Arnold.</p> - -<p>“Very well, Captain Risk, but who are ‘<i>we</i>’ -of whom you speak? You realize that you are -simply a sea-faring man, and very likely to turn -up in Davy Jones’ locker; if, by any possible -mishap, this messenger, Pierre La Fitte, be intercepted, -and any suspicions aroused by any papers -found, I could be compromised at once, and I -would have no guarantee of fair treatment. I -must deal with your principal, whoever he is.”</p> - -<p>“Well said, General Arnold, you must be secured -and protected. Remain here and you will have -this business all settled within an hour, and you -may have protection or whatever else you want -for that matter. Good day, sir,” was the snappy -answer of the little skipper, as he read the whole -import of Arnold’s fears, when he suddenly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -departed to let him wonder what was to happen -next.</p> - -<p>When the skipper gained the outside, he explained -the situation to himself, as he reasoned -it out.</p> - -<p>“Ah, he’s a shark! At first he wanted to know -nothing of the transaction, now he wants to know -all. But, howsomever, that Barclugh knows his -business and now that I have hooked the fish, -Barclugh will land him, shark and all that he is.”</p> - -<p>When the door shut behind Captain Risk, -and Arnold had found himself addressed, explained, -and answered all in one jerk, so to speak, -he drew a long breath and said to himself:</p> - -<p>“Whew! what’s up now? What must these -people believe me to be? There must be money -where Risk does his business. Those privateersmen -are the only ones who are getting rich in -Philadelphia to-day. There’s Robert FitzMaurice, -Financier General of Congress, his warehouses -are full of captured merchandise and I know -that he would sell flour to anybody, even indirectly -to the enemy, if he could thereby show a good -balance on his ledger account. Philadelphia, -in traffic with the enemy, is rotten. I must -now know where it is going on, and who is at it. -Maybe, I was too eager with Captain Risk. -He’s gone without leaving a clue. I guess my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -chance is up. When I actually must have money, -what a fool I was to ask for his principal in the -matter. I might have known that Risk would -not have divulged his principal. But I wonder -why they sent Risk to me for a passport, anyway? -This business has been done before and they -did not need a passport. For some reason they -need me. Therein lies my chance, and by -thunder, Mrs. Arnold will be rich yet, even though -I used to be a New England horse-trader.”</p> - -<p>While Arnold had fears and hopes of his success -in mind, Barclugh had listened to Arnold’s request -as given by Captain Risk and after the concise -narrative, Barclugh simply said:</p> - -<p>“Captain, you have done your duty. Leave -the rest to me. Load your ship, and sail with -the flour to the appointed rendezvous at the entrance -of Sag Harbor.”</p> - -<p>“That’s well, Mr. Barclugh. I’m better at -running a blockade or overhauling a lime-juicer -than in handling a horse-trading shark,” was -the blurting opinion of the Yankee skipper, as -he tripped out of the compting-room of Roderick -Barclugh,—little knowing that he had played -the preliminary part in a nation’s drama.</p> - -<p>The time was momentous on Arnold’s hands -as he pulled at his hair to think that he had lost -his opportunity with Captain Risk, when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -door of the office opened, and there stood Roderick -Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Arnold, wondering who was Risk’s principal, -stared in amazement at Barclugh’s presence. -But Barclugh at once knew that boldness was -his weapon to use.</p> - -<p>“Why, good morning, Mr. Barclugh, I am -very glad to see you,” said Arnold. “Will you -be seated?” as he walked to the door and told -the orderly to admit no one, and then bolted -the door behind him.</p> - -<p>“General Arnold,” said Barclugh, “do you -mean business about this flour transaction?”</p> - -<p>Arnold put on his most gracious air and replied:</p> - -<p>“I am entirely in <i>touch</i> with the enterprise, -Mr. Barclugh, but I was obliged to require some -token of good faith on the part of the principals. -So you see I could not give Captain Risk the passport -until I had arranged with the responsible -parties as to the ways and means of getting out -of the scrape in case of complications arising.”</p> - -<p>“What token do you require, General Arnold, -on my part?” coolly asked Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Oh, that is a simple matter for men of substance, -Mr. Barclugh. You see I have bought -an estate on the Schuylkill and am in debt; I -keep up my house in town and my pay is entirely -inadequate for the tastes of my family, so, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -you could loan me a few thousand pounds in gold, -I could serve you on this occasion and possibly -on others.”</p> - -<p>“You are very right, General, about your -pay being too small to support a gentleman’s -family. To be candid with you, what you need -is money. If I were to put you in the way of -securing twenty thousand pounds sterling, would -you accept the proposition? Merely a proposition -to do your country a lasting benefit.”</p> - -<p>“My dear Mr. Barclugh, I am dying daily -of chagrin, and money is my only salvation. -I would be willing to die ignominiously if I could -only secure my wife that much fortune.”</p> - -<p>“Arnold, would you go over to the other party? -Would you consider consequences? Would you -honor the obligation?”</p> - -<p>“Barclugh, a man that is the slave of the need -of money has no country, has no conscience, -has no will of his own. I am a slave. My -wife’s desires torment me as a lash. The abyss -opens before my eyes. My country’s cause can -never prevail against the wealth and resources -of Britain. To be loyal to America I would -die a pauper in a lost cause. To serve Britain -I would gain my desires,—victory and riches. -The die is cast, sir, command me!”</p> - -<p>“You have now arrived at a sensible conclusion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> -General Arnold,” argued Barclugh. “There is -no use for you to be a beggar after such abilities -as you have shown and such services as you have -rendered your country. I am the direct representative -of His Majesty, George III. You -prepare the passports. Be candid with me, and -I can relieve your financial difficulties. I will -communicate with you in a few days; in the -meantime, come down to my office, and I will -loan you whatever money you need temporarily.</p> - -<p>“Good day, sir,” concluded Barclugh, as he -left Arnold’s office, rejoicing to himself at Arnold’s -total subjection to money.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Whenever</span> conspirators engage to carry out -a plot, they at once begin to construct arguments -justifying means to their ends.</p> - -<p>At the present day we observe oily worded -arguments made in the public press to gild the -corruption of virtue by the influence and power -of money; and no flight of the imagination is -required to determine exactly the same influence -at work to-day in our money-bag circles which -shows its corruption in the following letter addressed -to Arnold in 1778:</p> - -<p>“Dear General:</p> - -<p>“Among the Americans who have joined the -rebel standard, there are very many good citizens -whose only object has been the happiness of their -country. Such, then, will not be influenced by -motives of private interest to abandon the cause -they have espoused. They are now offered -everything which can render the Colonies really -happy and this is the only compensation worthy -their virtue.</p> - -<p>“The American Colonies shall have their -Parliament, composed of two Chambers, with -all its members of American birth. Those of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -the upper house shall have titles and rank similar -to those of the House of Peers in England. All -their laws, and particularly such as relate to money -matters, shall be the production of this assembly, -with the concurrence of a Viceroy. Commerce -in every part of the globe subject to British sway -shall be as free to the people of the thirteen -Colonies as to the English of Europe. They will -enjoy, in every sense of the phrase, the blessings -of good government. They shall be sustained, -in time of need, by all the power necessary to -uphold them, without being themselves exposed -to the dangers or subjected to the expenses that -are always inseparable from the conditions of a -state.</p> - -<p>“Such are the terms proffered by England at -the very moment when she is displaying extraordinary -efforts to conquer the obedience of her -Colonies.</p> - -<p>“Shall America remain, without limitation of -time, a scene of desolation,—or are you desirous -of enjoying peace and all the blessings of her -train? Shall your provinces, as in former days, -flourish under the protection of the most puissant -nation of the world? Or will you forever pursue -that shadow of liberty which still escapes from -your hands, even when in the act of grasping it? -And how soon would that very liberty, once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -obtained, turn into licentiousness, if it be not -under the safeguards of a great European power? -Will you rely upon the guarantee of France? -They among you whom she has seduced may -assume that her assistance will be generous and -disinterested, and that she will never exact from -you a servile obedience. They are frantic with -joy at the alliance already established, and promise -you that Spain will immediately follow the example -of France. Are they ignorant that each of these -has an equal interest in keeping you under, -and will combine to accomplish their end? Thousands -of men have perished; immense resources -have been exhausted; and yet since that fated -alliance the dispute has become more embittered -than ever. Everything urges us to put a conclusion -to dissensions,—not less detrimental to the victors -than to the vanquished; but desirable as peace is, -it cannot be negotiated between us as between -two independent powers; it is necessary that a -decisive advantage should put Britain in a condition -to dictate the terms of reconciliation. -It is her interest, as well as her policy, to make -these as advantageous to one as the other; but -it is at the same time advisable to arrive at it -without any unnecessary waste of that blood -of which we are already as sparing as though it -were again our own.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>“There is but General Arnold who can surmount -obstacles so great as these. A man of -so much courage will never despair of the Republic, -even when every door to a reconciliation seems -sealed.</p> - -<p>“Render then, brave General, this important -service to your country! The Colonies can not -sustain much longer the unequal strife. Your -troops are perishing in misery. They are badly -armed, half naked and crying for bread. The -efforts of Congress are futile against the languor -of the people. Your fields are untilled, trade -languishes, learning dies. The neglected education -of a whole generation is an irreparable loss -to society. Your youth, torn by thousands from -their rustic pursuits of useful employments, are -mown down by war. Such as survive have lost -the vigor of their prime or are maimed in battle; -the greater part bring back to their families the -idleness and corrupt manners of the camp. Let -us put an end to so many calamities; you and -ourselves have the same origin, the same language, -the same laws. We are inaccessible in our island; -and you, the masters of a vast and fertile territory, -have no other neighbors than the people of our -loyal Colonies. We possess rich establishments -in every quarter of the globe, and reign over -the fairest portions of Hindustan. The ocean is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> -our home, and we pass across it as a monarch -traversing his dominions. From the Northern -to the Southern pole, from the East to the West -our vessels find everywhere a neighboring -harbor belonging to Great Britain. So many -islands, so many countries acknowledging our -sway, are all ruled by a uniform system that -bears on every feature the stamp of liberty, yet -it is well adapted to the genius of different nations -and various climes.</p> - -<p>“While the continental powers ruin themselves -by war, and are exhausted in erecting the ramparts -that separate them from each other, our -bulwarks are our ships. They enrich us; they -protect us; they provide us as readily with the -means of invading our enemies as of succoring -our friends.</p> - -<p>“Beware, then, of breaking forever the link -and ties of friendship whose benefits are proven -by the experience of a hundred and fifty years. -Time gives to human institutions a strength -which what is new can only attain in its turn, -by the lapse of ages. Royalty itself experiences -the need of this useful prestige, and the line that -has reigned over us for the past sixty years has -been illustrious for ten centuries.</p> - -<p>“United in equality, we will rule the universe; -we will hold it bound, not by arms and violence,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -but by the ties of commerce,—the lightest and -most gentle bonds that human kind can wear.”</p> - -<p>Allowing sufficient time for the arguments -of this letter to crystallize his determination, -Arnold was entrapped. Barclugh had analyzed -what effect the document would have on Arnold’s -mind; he knew that vanity alone would lead him -to commit treason on the pretext that he might -save his country from desolation and ruin, so that -he could be the master-key in the great drama. -To end the war at one stroke and receive the -pecuniary gratitude of the English government -and to stand out in history like Brutus, or Monk, -or Marlborough, as the creator of kings or governments, -was the dream of an adventurous spirit. -Arnold loved dramatic display. Battlefields had -provided him a theatre for the exercise of his -valor; garrison duty at Philadelphia had given -him the allurements of social dissipations; the -need of money and the glitter of kingly promises -were for him the crucial tests of honor which -sunk his career.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was in Arnold’s office the -next day at midnight, and thus addressed his -victim:</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, you of all Americans can -end this cruel war with the mother country. -So if you receive twenty thousand pounds in gold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -and a commission as General in the British Army, -and a pension of two thousand pounds sterling -per annum for life, what can you do to endow -your countrymen with the blessings of peace?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh,” said Arnold, “I shall be -inflicting enduring good upon humanity to stop -the vain sacrifices of Americans in a forlorn cause. -I would re-establish trade and friendly relations -at home and abroad. The name of Arnold -would be a synonym for the savior of this country. -There would be no need, then, for a Washington. -I would be the founder of great prosperity and -happiness, and my natal day would be cherished -by the,—well, by the nobility, anyway.</p> - -<p>“However, I have thought of the best way for -us to accomplish the object: you see, West Point -is the citadel of American military hopes; if they -were to lose that stronghold, New England -could be cut off from the rest of the Colonies. -The control of the upper Hudson falls with -West Point. Communications would then be -cut between New England and the Southern -Colonies. The rebel forces would then be merely -local bands, and the commanders partisan -leaders. Then another British force could invade -Virginia and each section be subdued in detail, -but after the fall of West Point the Colonists -would be glad to make terms of peace. Bloodshed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -would then be stopped.</p> - -<p>“I can secure the command of West Point -from the Commander-in-Chief, and when once -in the coveted position, then Americans and American -destiny will be at my feet.”</p> - -<p>“Your plan is an inspired one, General Arnold, -and here are two thousand pounds in Bills of -Exchange on the Bank of Amsterdam, which -you can get cashed at my office as a token of my -faith in you. Now, with my passport in my -pocket I shall start at once by way of West Point -for New York, and carry the good news to General -Clinton. Be sure and communicate with General -Washington at once for your assignment to your -new command,” were the parting words of -Roderick Barclugh, as he mounted his horse -at daylight to begin his journey through the -Jersey Highlands, under the disguise and name -of Pierre La Fitte.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Roderick Barclugh left the office of -General Arnold, he mounted his horse and took -the Germantown road. The hour was just -before dawn, and much fatigue after the exciting -negotiations with the traitor caused Barclugh -to ride briskly, while serious meditations flitted -through his brain:</p> - -<p>“What will Washington think of Arnold’s -request for assignment to West Point? I must -pave the way for Arnold’s success. If I could -only meet General Washington, being armed -with the letter of Robert FitzMaurice, I would -encourage the General to favor Arnold and -explain away his unrest at Philadelphia. I could -praise his deeds at Saratoga; how he longed for -active service; his marriage and its financial -obligations. The desire to please his wife entangled -Arnold in unwarranted expenditures. -To assign such a valuable leader to a post away -from all allurements of society would preserve -a valuable leader for active service after his -wound had healed.”</p> - -<p>Thus he mused, while his horse alternately -galloped and walked, until he realized that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -sun had risen, and he found that he had reached -the seat of his friend, Dr. William Greydon, who -had urged him to stop at Dorminghurst, whenever -he should have business that way.</p> - -<p>Knowing that he might have greater need of -his horse later on in the course of his perilous -journey, he considered it wisdom to stop and -spend the day for rest and gather his thoughts -and energy for a long ride the next day. He also -wished to travel incognito and the less he stopped -at public houses, the better his purpose was -helped along.</p> - -<p>To stop at Dorminghurst did not require any -length of argument, as Barclugh was young -and still susceptible. Neither had he forgotten -Miss Mollie Greydon who was at the dinner -party of the Financier General; Barclugh recalled -her beauty and intellectual qualities.</p> - -<p>Riding between the hemlocks to the mansion, -Roderick Barclugh was struck with the taste -of this American home. As he dismounted -he was greeted by the master of the house on -the portico, while his horse was attended by a -watchful black servant. The welcome he received -was in true Colonial fashion:</p> - -<p>“At last, Mr. Barclugh, you have made good -your promise to break bread with me. I know -that you must have risen early, so we can breakfast<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -at once,” was the greeting of Dr. William -Greydon.</p> - -<p>Turning to the servant, Dr. Greydon continued:</p> - -<p>“Care for Mr. Barclugh’s horse and bring his -saddle-bags into the house.”</p> - -<p>“Really,” replied Barclugh, “starting on this -journey last night, I was detained with a friend -arranging my business until early morning. I -am on a long journey to the Commander-in-Chief -at Fishkill, and I thought best to make -my journey in short stages at first.”</p> - -<p>“You are wise, Mr. Barclugh,” replied his host, -“and I am sure Dorminghurst is honored with -your presence.” Bowing courteously as Mr. -Barclugh entered the great hallway, Dr. Greydon -ushered his guest to the staircase, and left him -in the hands of a trusted man-servant who led -the way to the guest-chamber.</p> - -<p>After the customary formalities of presenting -himself to his host and family in the library, -breakfast was served in the rear hall.</p> - -<p>The easy manners of gentlemen’s families -during the Revolution were a blessing to travelers. -Open houses, hearty welcome to soldiers, was -the rule among patriots, and hospitality was as -free and unpolluted as sparkling spring water.</p> - -<p>What impressed Roderick Barclugh as remarkable, -was the frank and unaffected manner in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -which he was greeted by the daughter and brilliant -wife of Dr. Greydon. Their “thee’s” and -“thou’s” were not assumed in addressing a guest -who happened in; for the Greydons had traveled -in Europe, and Dr. Greydon was a graduate -in Medicine of Cambridge University.</p> - -<p>There is risk to young women in early morning -calls. If ever a young woman is seen in her true -self, that time is at her own breakfast table. -No one appreciated such a fact more keenly than -Roderick Barclugh. Therefore, when he presented -himself for this early breakfast he greeted -Mrs. Greydon and Miss Mollie with these words:</p> - -<p>“Miss Mollie, I am surprised to find you astir -so early.”</p> - -<p>“Why!” exclaimed the young Quakeress, “Mr. -Barclugh, I have already translated forty lines -of Horace for father, as well as directed the churning -for mother.”</p> - -<p>“Wonderful! Bravo!! Miss Greydon, I have -much respect for the young woman who can -combine the graces of odes of the greatest Latin -poet along with the duties of domestic economy, -and all before breakfast,” exclaimed Barclugh. “I -believe, however, that Horace sings of the vine, -the bees, the grain, the cattle, and the thrifty -housewife. I am really delighted to find some -one so practically refined,” continued the guest.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>Mollie Greydon was a perfectly happy and -healthy girl, who enjoyed being busy and useful. -She was dressed this morning in a neat and -becoming homespun of her father’s loom. Her -form was well rounded and her face was animated -and possessed of one of those kindly benevolent -expressions that are heaven-born. Her eyes -were hazel-brown, large and deep-set, which -indicated stable character and mental penetration. -Her hair was brown, and worn combed back, -high and plain.</p> - -<p>There was nothing of the ascetic or complaining -nature about her. She was a wholesomely good -and reasonable girl, ready and willing to accept -any station in life in which she happened to -be cast,—always ready to perform her full duty, -no matter in what sphere. If she were linked to the -fortunes of an honorable pioneer or to the luxury -of a Colonial gentleman, she would have no grievances. -Mollie Greydon was conscious of her -ability to render her full duty in life and therefore -the equipoise of her countenance and the grace -of her mind and body were discernible in whatever -she did. She had much energy, but still had -discretion to keep much in reserve. She had -lively passions and a temper which any worthy -person must respect, but the judgment in its -use was the work of a master mind. She quarreled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -with no one but the open enemies of her country, -and the advocates of aristocracy. Her young -days had been intermingled with all the contemporary -men of ideas, since she was her father’s -companion, and always at his side. The social -and domestic life of Dorminghurst, the intellectual -atmosphere of her home, and the advantages -of meeting all the distinguished men of -the times around her father’s fireside, had rounded -out the qualities of a gifted young woman, which -she was.</p> - -<p>The breakfast was plain and substantial, composed -of hominy and milk, and sugar-cured -ham, with a corn cake and a cup of coffee; also -potatoes that were boiled. Roderick Barclugh -had an unerring opportunity to study the bearing -of Miss Mollie in all its details. He asked her -several pointed questions for the only purpose -of sounding her philosophy on current affairs, -and on her views of life in the colonies.</p> - -<p>Among other questions one was addressed -to her with an earnest gaze from Barclugh’s -penetrating eyes:</p> - -<p>“Miss Mollie, have you no young lady companions -near at hand to help you pass the time?”</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Barclugh,” came the prompt and -decided answer of the young Quakeress. “I -have very few. My father and my mother are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -my most constant companions. One tutors me -in the classics, almost daily, and the other instructs -me in all the duties of our household. -I am, therefore, very busy at my books, the -spinning, the weaving, the oversight of the dairy -and the poultry-yards. I have my circle of -friends in Philadelphia and I attend some of the -entertainments given there; but in these stirring -times, when our countrymen need clothes and -food, I owe all of my energy to them.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, Miss Greydon, you are truly in -earnest about this war. Let me see,” laughingly -remarked Barclugh, “do you really believe that -the Colonists can possibly succeed in their efforts -to win independence? Will not your zeal have -been spent in vain?”</p> - -<p>“Why, Mr. Barclugh,” came her reply in girlish -enthusiasm, “you remember that Wolsey, in the -time of Henry VIII, said:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">‘Had I but serv’d my God with half the zeal</div> -<div class="verse">‘I serv’d my king, he would not in mine age</div> -<div class="verse">‘Have left me naked to mine enemies.’</div> -</div></div> - -<p>And I can assure you that I believe when I serve -this country for the principles of independence -and equality of the people, I am serving my God. -So I have heard Mr. Franklin say to father, -and he must be right.”</p> - -<p>Turning to his host and hostess at each end<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> -of the breakfast table, and to Miss Greydon, -who sat opposite, Barclugh looked at each one -earnestly, while he remarked:</p> - -<p>“This young lady must be inspired.”</p> - -<p>With the purpose of disclaiming any credit -to herself, the young lady, with all the sincerity -of a child, laughed with animation, as she tried -to explain her wisdom:</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Barclugh, you must not think so. -For the past five years we have heard nothing -discussed at our tables, at our firesides, and -on every occasion, nothing but the ‘Rights of -Man,’ ‘Common Sense,’ ‘Age of Reason,’ ‘The -Declaration of Independence,’ ‘The Tyranny -of Kings,’ and ‘The Corruption of Aristocracy,’ -until their doctrines have become household -words. I have imbibed them, absorbed them, -and discussed them, so I feel that every word -I utter is the truth.”</p> - -<p>Dr. and Mrs. Greydon let the younger people -occupy each other’s attention and listened with -smiles of satisfaction at the readiness with which -their only daughter was able to expound the -sentiments of the household.</p> - -<p>However, Dr. Greydon turned to his guest, -saying:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, I must let you know that -Mollie is my boy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>“Well, Miss Greydon, there is no mistaking -two things; that you are right and that you are -sincere. After this, you may be sure that you -have my respect and my esteem,” were the admissions -of Roderick Barclugh, and a deep -emotion came over his whole frame, as the crimson -blush of blood rose out of his body, and enveloped -his neck and ears and face.</p> - -<p>Here was an unaffected and honest Colonial -girl of nineteen, who had brought this diplomat -to bay.</p> - -<p>While thinking of his journey and mission the -thought flashed through his mind:</p> - -<p>“Magna est veritas et prevalibit.”</p> - -<p>Nothing but monosyllables could Barclugh utter -after this upheaval in his breast, produced by -the wisdom and truth stated by the innocent -young soul who sat opposite him at table. Small-talk -about the farm and city relieved his predicament -until breakfast was over.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon and Barclugh enjoyed a social -pipe in the library after breakfast, until the -Doctor suggested:</p> - -<p>“Since you have been awake all night the best -thing for you to do is to take a rest.”</p> - -<p>The suggestion was eagerly taken up by Barclugh, -for he needed rest and seclusion. Therefore, -he excused himself, and went to his chamber<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> -and sat down in a large chair with a resignation -becoming a better cause than his.</p> - -<p>He began to think of the excitement of ensnaring -Arnold the night before, and then the -voice of that beautiful girl:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“Had I but serv’d my God with half the zeal</div> -<div class="verse">“I serv’d my king....”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>rang in his ears.</p> - -<p>He jumped up and placed his clenched fists -in his hair, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“My God, I am blushing again! What ails -me? I tremble. Oh, that face! that voice! -those words deep in wisdom! Great God! I -am in love!”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>He paced up and down his chamber. He took -off his shoes and outer garments and lay down -to sleep, but he could not. He tossed from side -to side; he jumped up and sat on the chair, but -no repose could he find.</p> - -<p>“What can I do? Shall I throw everything -overboard? Shall I renounce my mission, and -ask Miss Greydon to be my wife? No, I can -not do that, for the traitor, Arnold, has me in his -power. If I proceed in this nefarious business, -my life will not be right to meet this pure and -innocent soul on an equality.”</p> - -<p>Straightening himself up and gazing out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -the window, Barclugh saw the birds carrying -straws to build their nests, and the bees bringing -honey to the hive in the garden, and he mused -no longer but walked to and fro as he resolved:</p> - -<p>“Come, Barclugh, brace thyself. Ah, I shall -proceed. I shall attempt both ends. If one -fail, perhaps the other will succeed. I know -which one I most desire.</p> - -<p>“But I must not linger here. To hear her -voice again I shall be lost. I must go very soon; -yes, at once.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh had now calmed and he lay down -again and slept soundly for two hours.</p> - -<p>Awakening with a start, he dressed in haste, -and found his host and informed him that the -urgency of this business would not let him rest -longer.</p> - -<p>Leaving his compliments for his hostess and -Miss Mollie with the Doctor, Barclugh mounted -his horse and galloped down the avenue of hemlocks -to the public road, and took the direction -of Trenton on the Delaware.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> dearest thought of an American patriot -is the fact that, no matter how deep and powerful -the plots for aristocratic forms of government, -these ideas wither and die in embryo on the free -soil of America. The dreams of a Fairfax in -Virginia, the Patroons in New York, a Blennerhasset -in the Ohio Valley, were never to be -realized in the free air of America. The principle -of primogeniture found no favor in the new land -of hope and refuge. The Covenanters in Pennsylvania -and the valley of Virginia, the Puritans -in New England, the Quakers in Pennsylvania, -the Catholics in Maryland, the Debtors in Georgia, -all left British soil with grievances which were -to be righted in the wilderness.</p> - -<p>All of those who were favored with prosperity -remained at home, and they were largely the -first-born sons, or entailed heirs. The underlings -cleared out to the wild-woods. How could the -mother country expect, therefore, conformity -to her system of aristocratic estates, if those -who sought the Colonies left home smarting under -the inequality shown to the younger sons? The -laws of Britain had, through generations, elevated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -the first-born and pauperized the junior offspring, -till at last the American Revolution could with -propriety be named the uprising of the younger -sons of Britain for equality. Can Englishmen -wonder, therefore, to-day, that Americans have -no patience with English aristocracy and royalty? -Any statesman who would emulate English social -systems in America may be prepared for an -avalanche.</p> - -<p>However, there is one relic of old England’s -musty law tomes with which the younger sons -may again have to measure swords, if not settled -by peaceful and constitutional means. That -is a law analogous to the law of entailed estates, -which maintains inequality in like manner between -individuals. The growth has been gradual -and unseen until recent years; but at the same -time producing rumblings in the hearts of the -unfavored persons. <i>Primogeniture</i> maintained -inequality between brothers and sisters in the -family; the other creates an inequality in finance -and commerce, <i>in perpetuo</i>, by means of an -artificial person, endowed with a legal immortality -which destroys all individualism. That fiction -of vested rights is the stock corporation under the -genius and authority of the Common Law of -England.</p> - -<p>No matter how safe Americans may feel against<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -the introduction of aristocratic laws and forms -of government, still, spasmodically and industriously, -attempts have been made to supplant -the idea of equality before the law, by legislation -for the favored ones.</p> - -<p>The mission of Roderick Barclugh to the new -world was to crush out the struggle for liberty -by means of bribery and at the same time to -imitate those laws of England, which would bind -the social conditions of England upon the Colonists -forever. Against the rebels, the outcome of the -War for Independence seemed such a foregone -conclusion, that already Roderick Barclugh was -scheming to advance his own social prestige -which his zeal for the King of England promised. -He expected to be Viceroy of the Colonies, and -to receive the title of Lord Barclugh of Allegheny.</p> - -<p>The matter had been so far decided and planned -that the letter to Arnold explicitly stated that -the Parliament of the Colonies would have an -upper house of Lords of the Realm who were -to receive their patents of nobility from the King -of England. The thought of independence was -ridiculed by the English; so what could more -properly occupy the thoughts of Barclugh than -his exalted position when England should subdue -the rebels?</p> - -<p>His mind was set upon creating one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> -most extensive landed estates to which noble -blood could lay claim. He would receive one -of those royal grants of land out of the public -domain in Western Pennsylvania, equal to a -principality. He would build such a castle -that its renown would live through ages. The -tenantry would be bound to the soil from generation -to generation, paying their rents for the -privilege of bare existence upon the lands of a -noble lord. The miller’s son would be a miller, -the blacksmith’s boy would be a blacksmith, -the ploughman’s boy would be a ploughman, -toiling without hope and without ambition; for -the privilege of equality would be denied them -under the English social system.</p> - -<p>The consuming thought of Barclugh in all -these stirring panoramas was the founding of -a noble family that would emblazon the crest -of Barclugh high in the fields of statesmanship -and war.</p> - -<p>But how was such a problem to be accomplished? -Should he wait until his honors had fallen to him, -and then go home and ally his name with one -of the great houses and names of English nobility? -Or should he seek among the best blood in the -Colonies, a lady out of the representatives of -wealth, gentility, and intellect, because such -an one would be inured to the customs and privations<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -of pioneers which a <i>grande dame</i> from -ancestral halls could never endure? Either one -course or the other must be chosen. For land -and heirs are necessary appendages to successful -nobles. Land without heirs is a misfortune; -but heirs without lands or wealth, among aristocrats, -had better been unborn.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was not in the habit of -jumping at conclusions. Thus in the selection -of his bride he had weighed every influence upon -the future of his posterity and his estate. He -had calculated that his helpmate must be capable -of maintaining, by means of her accomplishments, -grace of person, and intellect, his exalted social -eminence. She must be respected by the Colonial -social leaders in order that the administration -of the vice-regal office should be deservedly -popular. Though to make doubly sure of his -results, Barclugh had determined to wed before -his mission to America was divulged and before -his emoluments and honors were known. If -he were to be accepted in his proposals for marriage -he would be desired for himself, and not as Viceroy -of the most powerful monarch on earth. -Once settled in his marital affairs he could open -up to his bride the honors of his position, and -the power which would rest in her hands. -Dreams of William the Conqueror parcelling out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -estates and titles to his favorites welled up in -the mind of Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“What woman would not enjoy such a position?” -thought he. “Not a vestige of the former -principles of equality and democracy would -be tolerated; every semblance of the principles -of the Declaration of Independence would be -crushed.”</p> - -<p>But who was to be the fortunate or unfortunate -object of all these plans and conceptions of power -and grandeur,—the one on whom would devolve -all the prestige of founding a new order of barons,—whose -will might be the arbiter and maker of -titles for American families in the new regime -of nobility and aristocracy?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 1699 the ebb and flow of the Delaware’s -tide were slipping placidly by the City of Brotherly -Love, when the founder of Dorminghurst first -saw the sphere of his future labors. He was -but five and twenty years of age, and the good -ship Canterbury brought him hither as secretary -of the Proprietor and Governor of Pennsylvania.</p> - -<p>He was tall and athletic; a fine scholar, versed -in Latin, Greek, French and Spanish. He was -a member of the Society of Friends. Imbued -with all the ambition of a young, vigorous and -refined manhood, James Greydon prospered under -the patronage of his benefactor, William Penn. -He attended to all the official correspondence -of the Colony of Pennsylvania, and to all the -private accounts and business of the Proprietor -of the Colony. He was a faithful steward to a -good and liberal man. He attended all the -meetings which William Penn held with the -Indian tribes for the purpose of buying lands -west of the Susquehanna. The details of these -vast transactions rested in the able hands of -James Greydon.</p> - -<p>All that tract of land lying on both sides of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -the Susquehanna and the lakes adjacent, in or -near the Province of Pennsylvania, was confined -at this time by several treaties entered into with -the Conostogas, the Shawnees, the Iroquois, -the Susquehannas and the Onondagas,—all of -whom loved Penn and his friends; so that the -language of the treaty had these remarkable -words of brotherly relationship:</p> - -<p>“They shall for ever hereafter be as one head -and one heart, and live in true friendship and -amity as one people.”</p> - -<p>When Penn was obliged to return to England -in 1701, the management of his personal and -real estate in the Colony was left to James Greydon. -Greydon, therefore, had to receive the Indian -deputations, as well as to superintend all the -fur traffic with the tribes for the benefit of the -proprietor’s estate. He could hardly escape becoming -a large landlord by the opportunities -thrust into his way in the routine of his duties.</p> - -<p>However, the mere acquirement of riches -was not gratifying to James Greydon. He not -only wished to establish his family comfortably -in the enjoyments of a large estate, but he cherished -even more highly those graces of mind and body, -which accompany the love of books and learning.</p> - -<p>Consequently, a few years after his establishment -in the Colony and his marriage to a daughter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -of a wealthy merchant, he consolidated his earnings -into several large tracts of land between -Philadelphia and the settlement of Friends -called Germantown. He named the estate -“Dorminghurst.”</p> - -<p>The mansion was finished in 1728. At the -start, the family occupied the beautiful spot -for a summer resort. Many times its master -rode from Philadelphia on his finely-bred horse -to superintend the clearing of fields, the planting -of fruit trees and the setting out of rare shrubs -for landscape effects. His pride was aroused -in laying out and adorning with hemlocks an -avenue which was to be the grand approach to -his mansion. While out in the wilderness west -of the Susquehanna surveying his possessions, -the beauty of the native hemlocks amazed him -so forcibly that he gathered, with his own hands, -one hundred young trees, and upon his return -to Dorminghurst in the autumn had them re-planted -for the glory of his own handiwork. -Hawthorns, walnuts, hazels and fruit trees sent -out by William Penn from England found appropriate -spots each year for the embellishment of -James Greydon’s home.</p> - -<p>Nature had provided Dorminghurst with many -attractive features. The primeval forest of oaks, -elms and maples needed only the exercise of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -taste and the use of artistic judgment to convert -the undulating natural landscapes into lasting -impressions of the beautiful. To cull out the -obtruding exuberance of the primitive woodland -was a triumph of art. To create a vista of the -rivulet, Wingohocking, crooking up a little valley, -and to present expanding miles of swelling meadows -over which grazed sleek cattle, sometimes -resting under a lone magnolia or a group of -beeches, were passions in the heart of a devotee -of Virgil’s Georgics. The sloping of the ground -in all directions from the site of the mansion-house -allowed the broad avenue between the -hemlocks to curve around each side of the buildings. -One way a serpentine road descended -through a dense wild-wood grove, and then meandered -through the gully, giving perspectives -or vistas through the shadowy treetops; the -other way skirted enclosures for fruits and esculents -on one side, and on the other passed broad -lawns rising and falling in harmony ’midst the -clumps of spruces, pines and firs.</p> - -<p>The development of a family seat in the early -Colonial times aroused all the latent energies -and pride of its founder. All the true domestic -instincts found gratification in first choosing -a picturesque location and then unfolding plans -for landscape gardening. Problems arose. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> -manufacture of the brick, and the hewing of the -timbers, from off the proprietor’s own soil, -the construction of a mill on the stream to grind -his own grain, and the building of his smoke-house, -brew-house, a place for his loom, his -dairy, and his ashery, rounded out the domestic -economy of a Colonial gentleman.</p> - -<p>The realizations of every domestic felicity -were found in these establishments. The capital -sprung from the soil, and the labor bestowed -brought forth bountiful fruits of the earth, which -are sweet to all true men. These treasuries of a -home and the securities for a future were sounder -and more human than an up-to-date gentleman’s -commercial assets which are artificial and sometimes -of fictitious origin. No market quotations -ruined the Colonial home.</p> - -<p>After the needs of the home were supplied -from the soil, from the spinning-wheel and loom -and the dairy and the poultry-yard, the surplus -could be traded for the small needs of money. -The Colonist was supported by nature’s products -direct from the soil; the man of the present is -the offspring of artificial institutions of money -and of corporations—the slave of vested rights, -whose origins have mostly been the unearned -increment.</p> - -<p>But, aside from the domestic felicity of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -Colonial families, the social phases of their lives -were no less distinguished than their hospitable -homes. After the mansion was built and the -servants or slaves well ordered; after the smoke-house -was full of meat; after the mill was full -of grain; the home-made ale or cider in the cellar; -the spinners and weavers busy at the warp and -woof; the travelling shoemaker busy at the year’s -foot-wear (made from the home-tanned leather), -what could deter the natural social proclivities -of these people? The cares of an artificial man -were unknown. The dames had quilting and -spinning-bees, while the men had hunting contests, -which were decided by the best filled bags. Entertainment -and hospitality shown to house-parties -would last for days. The housewives vied with -each other to see their husbands and families -clothed in the finest textures of their own manufacture. -Each household tried to produce the -finest ale of its own brewing, and to establish -reputations for its cakes, mince pies and doughnuts. -The gossip of the neighborhood was -exchanged by the housewives; the men traded -horses and sheep and swine; they all danced, -dined, played games and made merry; so, then, -what more could they ask for pleasure?</p> - -<p>Dorminghurst grew out of the forest under the -influence of a master mind. The mansion was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -one of those plain, square, two-storied brick -structures,—dormer windows for the attic rooms, -and a detached kitchen in the rear (connected -with the large dining-hall by a covered passageway). -The office was built in line of the eastern -elevation of the dwelling, and connected with the -house by a covered way. The store-house, -smoke-house, brew-house and bakery, besides the -servants’ quarters and the stables, were all built -of brick and formed a quadrangle enclosure and -a court in the center. The doors of all buildings -were massive oak and secured by the heaviest -fastenings of iron. All windows on the ground -floor had heavy shutters, and an underground, -secret passageway led from the house to a door -under the stables. The structures were enclosed -thus to guard against Indian attacks.</p> - -<p>A handsome porch and steps led up to the -massive front door, which entered into the great -hall that extended through the middle of the -building. A double staircase, starting in the -middle of the great central hall, met on a common -landing, which led to the sleeping chambers. -Large double parlors on each side of the hallway -were connected by folding doors. The large, -well-lighted front room on the east side was used -as the library, and the large hallway to the rear -of the staircase was used as the dining and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -living-room. All the apartments had vast chimney-places, -commodious enough in the openings -to receive huge logs of wood for good cheer in -winter. Grotesque blue and white tiles, imported -from Holland, embellished the massive brick-work -of the chimney, and above the mantels -were arched niches adorned with rare old china -and heavy silver-ware, which on state occasions -saw service at table.</p> - -<p>The furniture of a Colonial house in 1730 -partook, like the house itself, of simplicity, and -in design was more useful than ornamental. -Mahogany was little known in Pennsylvania, -yet used to some extent in the West Indies; oak -and black walnut served for the cabinet woods. -Chairs in profusion were found only in the houses -of the most substantial. Choicely carved chests-of-drawers, -cupboards, high-backed chairs and -tables found their way from Europe only by -the grace of ship-masters, so that imported -Colonial furniture was rare and expensive. However, -each town of importance had its list of -cabinet-makers and joiners who fashioned their -handiwork after the design of articles imported -and thus supplied the needs of the new country.</p> - -<p>At Dorminghurst everything which was possible -to be constructed from material found on the -estate was made and fashioned right there.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -The timbers for the mansion and outbuildings -were hewn in the forest, and the lumber for -finishing the interior was sawed by hand on the -spot. Any pieces of oak or walnut that were -choice were saved and seasoned for the cabinet-work -and for the furniture. Half a dozen skilled -artisans were hired by the year and the workmanship -put upon the doors, the wainscotting -and the staircase was marvellous.</p> - -<p>The front part of the great hallway had a lofty -ceiling, and was lighted by windows in the second -story.</p> - -<p>The great double staircase flared out at the -foot and ascended by graceful curves, thus forming -an elliptical center space between the two banisters. -The effect upon entering the well-lighted -and lofty hallway was to command respect for -the mansion. After passing between two massive -and richly-carved newel posts, the elliptical opening -between the two staircases had hall seats -in comfortable nooks and the rear hall had a huge -fireplace and mantel at the very end. Two -massive oak settles, high in back, faced each -other on each side of the chimney-place, and one -could stretch out and lie down on either one of -them and be comfortable. A lengthy oaken -table with bandy legs stood in the center of the -hall. Two long forms or benches without backs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -were on each side, and two massive, high-backed -chairs were at each end of the table. A damask -cover was on the table, and the floor was bare -and scrupulously white. In entertaining company -the great hall was in popular favor.</p> - -<p>At this table James Greydon used to entertain -his intimates, and he loved to sit and -discourse upon topics of the day. He was a -Latin scholar and scientific writer of no mean -ability. In the ripeness of his attainments he -produced a translation of Cicero’s “De Senectute,” -which was the first production in America of -classical scholarship. At Dorminghurst he collected, -for a Colonist, a wonderful library of -classical authors.</p> - -<p>The well-lighted front room on the first floor -was lined with shelves, on which rested shining -lights of literature, to guide the effort and ambition -of struggling genius in the wilderness of Pennsylvania. -An untimely accident had crippled James -Greydon, so that for thirty years of his latter life -his time was spent almost entirely among his books -and in his farming pursuits. He wrote valuable -treatises on agriculture, for the then primitive -Colonists, and collected precious editions of -Cicero, Virgil, Seneca, Pliny and Horace, to -say nothing of the lesser lights of Latin literature.</p> - -<p>He also collected valuable editions of Greek<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> -writers on philosophy, history, verse and the -drama. These were the most distinguished collections -of classical works to be used at this -early date for the benefit of American learning. -James Greydon was one of the fathers of scholarship -in the New World. He was in correspondence -with many scholars and men of letters in Europe. -He was the great friend and co-laborer of Franklin, -who acquired his knowledge of Latin and Greek -from Greydon’s hands.</p> - -<p>The quadrant, of such benefit to mariners -and explorers, was invented by an artisan under -the encouragement of Greydon, at Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>The numerous pamphlets and treatises produced -by Greydon on the science of agriculture -and on politics were the products of Franklin’s -press. Even the noted work of the translation -of “De Senectute” which was printed by Franklin -(to whom credit at the time was sometimes given -for the authorship of the work) was performed by -James Greydon.</p> - -<p>But the crowning distinction for which Dorminghurst -shall be known, was the reverence in which -its master was held by the red men of the forest. -Keen in the detection and appreciation of true -manhood, the native instincts of the Indian -shunned the commercialism of the grasping English -office-holder; but the pure and simple line of conduct<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -of the scholar and philosopher commanded the -respect and esteem of those children of nature—the -Indians. Deputations of the fierce Iroquois -and the Shawnees and the Susquehannas -travelled far and long to listen to the counsel and -wisdom of the distinguished sage and philosopher -of Dorminghurst. The Indians learned to trust -his word and advice so well that his estate became, -at length, the Mecca for an annual gathering of -his forest friends, and the permanent abode of a -few of the descendants of Altamaha.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Many</span> times the long avenue of hemlocks was -honored by the gathering of the tribes of red men -at Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>Before entering the city for their business with -the Governor and Council at Philadelphia, the -Indians invariably camped on the estate of the -big white chief, James Greydon, as a mark of -respect to their friend. Usually the exchange -of courtesies could best be accomplished by preparing -a feast for the assembled tribesmen.</p> - -<p>On the day set apart for the feast, the tribesmen -approached the mansion through the avenue of -hemlocks. They were clothed in their best -buckskin leggings, skin robes and moccasins, -and bedecked with plumage and trinkets. No -arms or tomahawks were carried, because the -Indians respected the Quakers’ dislike of war. -They seated themselves in respectful silence on -each side of the avenue under the spreading -trees, while the servants were busied covering the -white tables with dozens of roasted turkeys, -ducks, chickens, saddles of venison,—roasted -before an open fire,—roasts of beef, pyramids of -doughnuts and apples, great pies and cakes, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -then light bread cut into slices. All this provision -met the eyes of the hungry savage, as he sat -smoking his kin-ni-kin-nick.</p> - -<p>An occasional grunt of satisfaction issued out -of the shade of the hemlocks, whenever a chief, -between puffs at his pipe, assented to the monosyllables -of the others. The groups were picturesque, -seated and grouped around the trees of the spacious -lawn. Dignity, becoming a noble race, was -written in the lofty mien and countenance of -every face. If ever Indians were happy, they were, -in partaking of the generous hospitality of this -noble Quaker, who was the successor of their -great father, William Penn.</p> - -<p>The importance of a tribal feast to the Colonists, -in 1732, had much weight with the principal -men of the State. The distinguished men of the -province travelled long distances to be present -at these gatherings given by the master of Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>The feast began when the Secretary led out of -his mansion an assemblage of gay ladies and -gentlemen. James Greydon led them down the -wide avenue of hemlocks, bowing and smiling -to the natives. They all proceeded to a lofty -and spreading oak, accompanied by the great -Chief, Altamaha. When the ladies were seated -and the gentlemen grouped about, the Chief<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -of the Onondagas, Altamaha, stepped forward -and gave a short command. At once the whole -body of Indians came forward and squatted on -the ground in the form of a half-moon, facing the -white people. The chiefs formed a group distinct -from the other tribesmen within the circle facing -James Greydon.</p> - -<p>When the Indians had taken their places -James Greydon advanced with solemnity to address -his guests:</p> - -<p>“My children: The spirit of our great father, -William Penn, calls us together again. I welcome -you as his children. We are all his children. -We have been driven from our homes by the -persecutions of the English. We seek our homes -among the children of the Great Spirit of the -forest, the red men; we are brothers.</p> - -<p>“We love our brothers; if they come to our -wigwams, hungry, we give them food; we do not -make war upon them in their hunting-grounds; -we love peace.</p> - -<p>“The Great Spirit who rules the heavens and -the earth knows that the children of William -Penn have a hearty desire to live in peace and -friendship with you. Your friend and great -father, William Penn, retained a warm affection -for all the Indians and commanded all those -whom he sent to govern the Quakers to treat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -the Indians as his children; he continued in this -love for them until his death.</p> - -<p>“My brethren: Your hearts have been clean -and you have preserved the pledge of friendship -long ago made for your great father’s children, -and the chain has no breaks or rust; you have -never forgotten the great love which our father, -William Penn, had for you.</p> - -<p>“My friends: May your young men learn from -you what your great father said to you before -he went to his happy hunting-grounds. May our -chain of friendship never be broken and may -it endure between our children and our children’s -children, and may it last while the creeks and -rivers run and while the sun, moon and stars do -shine.</p> - -<p>“I make you welcome to my home.”</p> - -<p>Altamaha stood up in his place, and with stolid -mien, looking toward his people and the whites, -began to reply, at first slowly, while his voice -grew in volume as he proceeded:</p> - -<p>“Father: Listen to your children; you have -them now before you.</p> - -<p>“We all belong to our great father, William -Penn; we all are children of the Great Spirit; -we walk in the same path; slake our thirst at the -same spring; and now our great father wishes -us to smoke the pipe around the same fire.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>“Brothers: We must love each other; we must -smoke the same pipe; we must help each other; -and more than all we must love the Great Spirit; -he is for us; he will destroy our enemies, the King’s -dogs; he will make all his red children and the -children of our great father happy together.</p> - -<p>“Brothers: We are friends; we must assist -each other to bear our burdens. The blood of -many of our fathers and brothers has run like -water on the ground to satisfy the avarice of the -King. We, the red men, are threatened with -great evil; nothing will pacify the King but the -destruction of all the Indians.</p> - -<p>“When the English first set foot on our grounds -they were hungry; they had no place on which -to spread their blankets or kindle their fires. -They were feeble; they could do nothing for -themselves. Our fathers commiserated their distress -and shared freely with them whatever the -Great Spirit had given his red children. They -gave them food when hungry; medicine when -sick; spread skins for them to sleep on, and -gave them ground that they might hunt and -raise corn,—Brothers: Our enemies are like -poisonous serpents; when chilled they are feeble -and harmless; but invigorate them with warmth -and they sting their benefactors to death.</p> - -<p>“Brothers: Our enemies came among us feeble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -and now that we have made them strong, they -wish to kill us or drive us back as they would -wolves and panthers.</p> - -<p>“Brothers: The King is not a friend to the -Indians. At first he only asked for lands sufficient -for a wigwam; but now nothing will satisfy him -but the whole of our hunting-grounds from the -rising to the setting sun.</p> - -<p>“The King wants more than our hunting-grounds; -he wishes to kill all our old men, women -and little ones.</p> - -<p>“Our enemies despise and cheat the Indians; -they abuse and insult them; they do not think -the red men sufficiently good to live.</p> - -<p>“Brothers: Who are our enemies that we -should fear them? They can not run fast, and -are good marks to shoot at; they are only men; -our fathers have killed many of them; we are -not squaws, and we will stain the earth red with -their blood.</p> - -<p>“Brothers: We must compare our enemies -to a fat dog that carries its tail upon its back; -but when affrighted it drops its tail between its -legs and runs away.</p> - -<p>“O Brothers: The children of our great -father Penn are different; they do not love war; -they love peace and happiness. When I heard -the voice of my great father coming up the valley<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> -of the mountains, calling me to this feast, it seemed -as a murmuring wind. I got up from my mat -where I sat musing, and hastened to obey it. -My pathway hither has been clear and bright. -There is not a cloud to darken it. Truly it is -a pleasant sky above our heads to-day. I have -nothing but pleasant words for my father’s -children. The raven is not waiting for his prey. -I hear no eagle cry. Come, brothers, let us go, -the feast is ready.”</p> - -<p>The whites, at the conclusion of this burst -of native eloquence, were visibly affected. The -delivery was impassioned and clear. For the -moment all seemed to be transfixed by the impressive -character of the speech. James Greydon, -however, walked up to the savage chieftain, shook -him by the hand, saying: “Good, good, my -friend,” and then escorted him by the arm to -the tables. The whole assemblage arose and -followed in order. When the Indians were all -arranged by themselves on each side of the table, -the sachem stepped to the head and gave thanks -to the Great Spirit in loud and earnest tones -by some word of their dialect which sounded to -the European ear like “Wah, Wah,” and when -he had finished, in no less earnest tones, the -whole assembly of natives replied by words -which sounded like “Swe, Swe.” At once thereafter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -the solemnity of the occasion was at an end. -The Indians began to talk and laugh. The feast -began.</p> - -<p>In Indian fashion the natives sat on the ground -and waited for the attendants to serve them with -portions of everything on the table. The younger -people, especially the squaws, would point at -the different delicacies and dishes. One feature -which attracted the notice and remarks of the -entire deputation was a small pig, which had been -stuffed and roasted, standing on all fours. At -the other end was a large beaver, dressed and -cooked in like manner. The center was embellished -by placing a coon and a ’possum, dressed -and cooked to a turn, which were standing on all -fours and facing each other, as though they were -ready to fight. These preparations of their -own popular dishes immensely pleased the Indians. -But when huge pewter mugs of cool ale were -passed, then there was fun. The old men and -warriors drank it with satisfaction. When the -young people and women were urged to take a -draught they would shrink from it at first, and -when they had tasted it they would make wry -faces at which all the others laughed. When -the cakes and pies came around, however, the -women looked at them curiously and ate them -with enjoyment, for they were produced by an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -art of cookery unknown to the squaws.</p> - -<p>The whole feast passed off gayly, yet modestly. -An Indian abhors familiarity and vulgarity. -The conversation was pleasant but never hilarious. -They sat on the ground, Indian fashion, and ate -with their hands and fingers, but, withal, there -was no greediness. They were polite to each other -and waited in silence for their turn to be served. -Courtesy to each other is a cardinal practice and -they respect the proprieties of intercourse between -themselves on all occasions.</p> - -<p>However, in a group under a tree by themselves -were the chiefs and James Greydon and his -white friends. The whites were eating like -Indians, seated on the ground and joining in -the pleasures of the feast. When everybody -had eaten and had drunk all that was needed, -Altamaha brought out a new pipe and filled it -with tobacco from his pouch. He lighted the -tobacco with his steel and flint. After taking -several puffs of the smoke, he passed the pipe first -to the white chief, James Greydon. Then after -a few puffs, Greydon passed it to his white friends. -The pipe was then passed to all the chiefs and -sachems. After all the principal men of the -tribes had smoked the pipe of friendship and -peace, Altamaha took it to James Greydon, -saying:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>“Your brother gives you his pipe of friendship -and peace. You must keep it and never again -let it be used. Never let the fire be put out which -Altamaha has kindled for you.”</p> - -<p>Standing up, James Greydon took the pipe, -saying in reply:</p> - -<p>“My good friend: The most noble of his -race is Altamaha. His pledge of friendship -to me to-day shall never be broken. The pipe -shall be a token to me and my children of the -love of Altamaha and his people. His fire shall -burn forever in my heart. But come, Altamaha, -let us all be merry. Let the young men dance. -Our white friends will be pleased.”</p> - -<p>At a sign for the dance, the great sachem, -Pisquagon, stepped out into an open space on the -lawn and began to shake his shell rattles and let -out some vocal gyrations. The young men and -women applauded by screeching and clapping -of hands. The whole concourse gathered around -Pisquagon and in unison joined in his chant:</p> - -<p>“Yo! ho! ha! ha!—</p> - -<p>“Yo! ho! ha! ha!—</p> - -<p>“Yo! ho! ha! ha!—</p> - -<p>“Yo! ho! ha! ha!” And to the rhythm made -by the shell rattles, one warrior with feathered -war-cap waving above him, shoulders and limbs -bare, lets out a whoop and starts over the green<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -by jerking his two feet together over the ground. -Presently another, “dressed in Georgia fashion,”—little -else on than a collar and a pair of spurs,—starts -off sideways, moving his feet over the -ground by jerks, in unison with the shell rattles. -Suddenly he faces the other performer and the -two proceed in unison, one forward and the other -backward, following the same direction around -in a circle. As if by magic, yells come from the -others, and pairs join the moving circle in manner -like the first two.</p> - -<p>The circle is completed. The noisy stamping -of their feet and the shrieks of enthusiasm are -startling. At certain cadences in the chant, -each one faces about and continues the moving -circle in the same direction as before, dancing -and contorting with renewed spirit and energy. -The dusky throng performs all manner of grotesque -movements. Every conceivable posture of the -human frame is kept up while moving to the -beats and rhythm of the shells. The men were -dancing alone, but a young squaw, desiring to -join, presents herself at the side of the one whom -she wishes to favor, and quietly dances in the -circle. There was no cessation of the spirit -of the dance till sheer exhaustion stopped it. -Some sort of superstitious frenzy seemed to possess -their souls. To the whites the most amusing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -part of it all was to observe the solemn and serious -faces of those who were in the performance of -the most grotesque antics. Not a smile softened -their somber mien.</p> - -<p>A well-contested foot-race for a necklace of -beads was run between the Indian girls to conclude -the festivities, and when the setting sun had -drawn near, James Greydon’s Indian friends -had withdrawn so silently and without ceremony, -that he remarked to his guests when he looked -around to find them:</p> - -<p>“The earth must have swallowed them up.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">“Segwuna,</span> Segwuna, here are the berries,” -sang out the sweet voice of Mollie Greydon, on -a balmy June day, as two girls were seeking -wild strawberries on the banks of the Wingohocking. -The year was 1776, and the day was one -of lasting memory at Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon had invited Benjamin Franklin -and Thomas Jefferson to Dorminghurst to spend -a Sunday during the deliberations of the Continental -Congress. The change and rest in the -country would give these earnest workers the -time in which to ponder over their labors and -to consult as to measures that Congress ought -to adopt.</p> - -<p>When distinguished guests were to grace the -home of the Greydons frequently Miss Mollie -was busy for days providing the table with all the -delicacies of the season, and leaving nothing undone -for the comfort of her father’s friends.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_148fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">Two girls were seeking wild strawberries on the banks<br /> -of the Wingohocking.</p> - -<p>For the purpose of gathering a goodly supply -of wild strawberries, she went to the lodge of -Kaubequa, the mother of her favorite companion, -Segwuna, to enlist the Indian woman and her -daughter in her task. The three worked tirelessly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> -on the day before Sunday, as the distinguished -statesmen were to be present for supper, and she -knew that wild strawberries would be such a -treat for her father’s guests.</p> - - - -<p>Ever since the killing of Kaubequa’s brave -by the whites, when Segwuna was a small child, -this lone Indian family had made their home on -Dr. Greydon’s estate, Dorminghurst. The child -had been nurtured and educated as his own, -since she was the grandchild of Altamaha, the -great friend of James Greydon, his father.</p> - -<p>The Greydons had cherished these children -of the forest as a heritage of the soil. The -family of Altamaha had always been privileged -Indians at Dorminghurst. After the death of -Altamaha, and the killing of his son in the valley of -the Monongahela, Kaubequa, her infant daughter -and boy made the long journey to Dr. Greydon’s -estate alone.</p> - -<p>The white settlers had killed her brave, and -had driven her tribe from the beautiful valley -in the mountains, and the mother had wearied -of war. She knew that if she could once get to -the old friends of Altamaha she could rest -in safety and rear her two children in peace. -She oft murmured to herself in the plaintive -language of her race as she gazed upon her two -fatherless children:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>“I care not again to hear the eagle scream -on high. The war manitou has left me alone, -alone and destitute. Every day, thou, star of -my destiny, I gaze at thee. Whither shall I fly?</p> - -<p>“He was still standing on a fallen tree that -had fallen into the water,—my sweetheart!</p> - -<p>“Alas, when I think of him! when I think -of him! It is when I think of him!—Oh, <i>disquagummee</i>!”</p> - -<p>Her mind rebelled and indignation took the -place of sadness as she thought of the happy -wigwam that her warrior supplied so well with -game and fish; and how she used to enjoy the -security of their forest home. While her brave -was out after the chase, she was grinding the -corn and tanning the skins. When he journeyed -far in his favorite hunting-grounds she was cultivating -the maize and potatoes for her loved ones, -so that there would be plenty for her lord upon -his return.</p> - -<p>Many times did she swing her baby girl to sleep -while her boy played about the lodge and gazed -at her with love in his young eyes as she sang:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Swinging, swinging, lullaby,</div> -<div class="verse">“Sleep thou, sleep thou, sleep thou,</div> -<div class="verse">“Little daughter, lullaby.</div> -<div class="verse">“Swinging, swinging, swinging,</div> -<div class="verse">“Little daughter, lullaby.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> -<div class="verse">“Your mother cares for you,</div> -<div class="verse">“Sleep, sleep, sleep, lullaby.</div> -<div class="verse">“Do not fear, my little daughter,</div> -<div class="verse">“Sleep, sleep, sleep,</div> -<div class="verse">“Do not fear, my little daughter.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Swinging, swinging, lullaby,</div> -<div class="verse">“Not alone art thou.</div> -<div class="verse">“Your mother is caring for you.</div> -<div class="verse">“Sleep, sleep, my little daughter,</div> -<div class="verse">“Swinging, swinging, lullaby,</div> -<div class="verse">“Sleep, sleep, sleep.”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>But she could not, in the care of her children, -dispel the sadness of her mind, knowing that -she must give up the joys of her forest life. Everything -had been so full of hope when he was beside -her, but now she could lie on her couch of boughs -and mats and ponder upon the sad fate to which -she had been cast by the relentless white man. -Her mind oft reflected what has been well written:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“’Tis not enough. That hated race</div> -<div class="verse">“Should hunt us out from grove and place,</div> -<div class="verse">“And consecrated shore,—where long</div> -<div class="verse">“Our fathers raised the lance and song.”</div> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The inevitable had come to Kaubequa, and -she sought her white friends, whose religion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -abhorred war. She set up her lodge on the estate -of Dr. Greydon,—not even asking leave to do so.</p> - -<p>The first evidence that the master of Dorminghurst -had of the newly arrived family, was the -presentation of a <i>mokuk</i> of maple sugar to the -household by a comely young squaw. She carried -an infant daughter on her back, bound up in an -Indian’s cradle.</p> - -<p>She desired to obtain some meat, and her -way was to exchange with the white people.</p> - -<p>Her son was a dextrous lad of nine years, who -had learned to fish and trap small animals for -food and fur.</p> - -<p>The infant daughter of Kaubequa grew like -a young fawn around her mother’s lodge. When -the child had reached the age verging upon -womanhood, she possessed a tall, slender form, -a beautiful olive complexion and large expressive -eyes, much like the wild doe,—in that the haughty -restlessness of the wilderness child could be -discerned in her glance.</p> - -<p>Her name was Segwuna, the daughter of -Springtime, and when about thirteen summers, -her mother advised her that a sign made by the -Great Spirit to her would mean that she was -to be a great woman, if she only would do whatever -her mother required of her.</p> - -<p>Consequently, early one morning in mid-winter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> -an unusual sign appeared to Segwuna in her -dreams. She arose from her couch and ran -as far from her lodge as her strength allowed -and remained there until her mother found her.</p> - -<p>Her mother knew what had happened, and -directed her to come nearer the family abode, -and instructed her to help prepare a lodge out of -the boughs of the hemlock.</p> - -<p>She was told not to taste anything for two -days, not even snow. As a diversion, she was to -twist and prepare the bark of the linden into -twine. She could gather wood, build herself -a fire, lie down and keep warm.</p> - -<p>Segwuna did as directed and at the end of the -two days her mother came to see her, but did -not bring a morsel to eat. Her thirst was greater -than her hunger, yet the pangs of hunger were -very violent.</p> - -<p>Kaubequa sat down with her child, after she -had ascertained that nothing had passed Segwuna’s -lips for two days, and said:</p> - -<p>“My child, you are my only daughter. Now, -my daughter, listen to me and try to obey. Blacken -your face and fast faithfully, so that the Master -of Life may have pity on you and me, and on us -all. Do not in the least deviate from my counsels, -and in two days more I will come to you.”</p> - -<p>Segwuna continued to fast for two days more,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -when her mother came to the lodge and melted -some snow and told her to drink the water. Her -desires were for more, but her mother would not -allow anything more to drink or anything to eat. -But she instructed Segwuna to ask the Great -Spirit to show her a vision that would not only -do them good, but also benefit mankind.</p> - -<p>The night of the fifth day a voice called to -Segwuna in her slumber, and said:</p> - -<p>“Poor child, I pity your condition. Come, you -are called into my service on earth. I give you -my power and the life everlasting. I give you -long life on earth and skill in bringing others -to my kingdom of life everlasting in the happy -hunting-grounds.”</p> - -<p>In her vision she saw a shining path like -a silver cord and it led upward to an opening in -the sky, where stood the Great Spirit, in a brilliant -halo, encircled with glistening stars.</p> - -<p>“Look at me,” saith the spirit, “my name is -the Bright Blue Sky. I am the veil that covers -the earth. Do not fear. You are a pure and -dutiful maiden. You have come to the limit -which mortals cannot pass. Now return. There -is a conveyance for you. Do not fear to ride on -its back, and when you get to your lodge, you -must take that which sustains the human body.”</p> - -<p>Segwuna saw a snow-white bird soaring like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> -the frigate bird in the sky, and when she got -on its back, she was wafted through the air,—her -hair streaming behind,—and as soon as she -arrived at her lodge her vision ceased.</p> - -<p>Upon awakening, Segwuna arose and returned -as fast as she could to her mother’s lodge, where -she was fed cautiously by her mother. One -could see that she had undergone a serious transformation. -The same tall willowy form and -elastic step were there, but the eyes had changed -their innocent fawn-like gaze to a tense and -determined far-away look that could be interpreted -as seriousness and reflection combined.</p> - -<p>She went about her duties around the wigwam -as though some great task or burden were weighing -her down. And well might those about her observe -her changed manners, for she now deserted the -company of her former playmates and took long -and lonely walks through the deep woods,—resolving -silently to serve the Great Spirit the -rest of her life by rendering happy those whom -she loved.</p> - -<p>The Great Spirit of her forefathers had now -wrought in her soul deep convictions of the duty -that she owed to her mother, her brother, and -especially to her kind young friend who lived -in the great mansion-house. The stories that -she had heard recited around the lodge’s fire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -of the presents made by the great white chief, -James Greydon, to her people, surged through her -mind. How kind and gentle he had always been -to the Indians! her kinsfolk! Those were happy -days before the white men had learned the beauties -of their old home on the Monongahela! All the -native traits of her race were aroused.</p> - -<p>Many times she reasoned thus:</p> - -<p>“I can never forgive an injury, nor can I ever -forget hospitality and kindness. My heart bleeds -to show the King, our father across the sea, -what great wrong has been done my loved ones, -when he sent the great white birds across the -sea that caused the eagle to scream on high.</p> - -<p>“My Manitou will bless his Segwuna and -teach his daughter to show the King that when -my sky was clear he ought not to send his -warlike birds on the long journey across the -water. The King’s warriors shall not prosper -on this side of the great water. Segwuna, the -handmaid of the Great Spirit, shall take her -friends over the river, across which the King’s -warriors can not pass. While her friends shall -be happy and have plenty, from this time forth -the King shall remain on the other side of the -river and wither and die, because he was so -avaricious.”</p> - -<p>The small band of Indians at Dorminghurst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> -learned to love and revere Segwuna. As she grew -older she stored up the herbs of the forest and -showed great skill in nursing and curing the -young and old of lesser ailments.</p> - -<p>The test of the young prophetess came in the -year 1774. The severe storms and heavy snows -of the winter made game very scarce and the -Indians were near starvation. They had, therefore, -occasion to try the arts of Segwuna to determine -the range of the game.</p> - -<p>So the chief of the band came into the lodge -of Segwuna’s mother and requested that her -daughter be allowed to try her skill to relieve -them. The mother laid the request before Segwuna -and gained her consent.</p> - -<p>The prophetess directed the chief to build the -prophet’s lodge of ten posts or saplings, each of -different kinds of wood that she named. When -finished and tightly wound with skins, Segwuna -went inside and took a small drum and rattles -with her. The whole band assembled around.</p> - -<p>The chief put the question to the prophetess:</p> - -<p>“Where shall game be found?”</p> - -<p>As if from some supernatural power the -drum sounded within the lodge, and a voice was -heard chanting, while the whole structure began -to shake violently, and the people without began -to shriek and moan as though to recognize the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> -presence of the Great Spirit that was consulted.</p> - -<p>A silence fell suddenly upon the lodge, and -the people now looked for an answer to their -question.</p> - -<p>A voice then arose as from the top of the lodge, -which said in slow and sepulchral tones:</p> - -<p>“How short-sighted, you. If you will go in the -direction of the south, game in abundance you -will find.”</p> - -<p>Next day the camp was taken up, and they -all moved to the southward, led by the hunters. -Proceeding not far beyond their former hunting-grounds -a doe and two fawns were killed, and -the little band thereafter found an abundance of -food for the rest of the winter.</p> - -<p>The reputation of Segwuna was thus established -among her own people, but still greater undertakings -were awaiting this handmaiden of the -Great Spirit, not alone for the good that she did -for her own people, but for the benefit of a nation.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> distinguished members of the Continental -Congress reached Dorminghurst during the afternoon -when Mollie Greydon and Segwuna had -been gathering the wild strawberries for supper. -They were weary with their deliberations during -the hot June days, and the freshness of the country -air was a tonic to soul and body.</p> - -<p>Dr. Franklin had known Dr. Greydon since -the latter’s childhood, and he walked around -the grounds examining the garden with characteristic -good comradeship, as he said:</p> - -<p>“William,” addressing Dr. Greydon, “are these -cherries from the trees brought over by William -Penn and planted by your father?”</p> - -<p>“How fine,” exclaimed Mr. Jefferson, “are -these roses! I shall have to get some cuttings -for my garden at Monticello,” as they sauntered -along the path bordered by box, on the way -to the sun-dial.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Dr. Greydon to Benjamin -Franklin, “father planted the originals of most -of these trees and we have grafted the scions -to perpetuate the memory of our dear friend, -William Penn. But do you see those columbines<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -on the wall? Those were brought from Monongahela -by Altamaha. That honeysuckle was -brought from England by our friend, George -Fox,” as he pointed to a beautiful vine embowering -the gate of the wall surrounding the house court.</p> - -<p>The three made their way through rows of -hollyhocks, feverfew, rhododendrons, tulips, -peonies, narcissi, rows of homely bee-hives, -the spot for the physic and pot-herbs, where -pennyroyal, tansy, spearmint, anise, dill, horse-leek, -bitter-sweet, hyssop and boneset were -growing, when they reached the apple orchard -beyond the garden.</p> - -<p>A large orchard seat under one of those homely -old apple trees, savoring of domesticity, brought -them to a quiet nook where the three sat down -for a discussion of affairs.</p> - -<p>“Do you believe that the delegates from Pennsylvania -will vote for a Declaration, Doctor -Franklin?” asked Mr. Jefferson of his associate.</p> - -<p>“I, for one, shall vote for the Declaration,” -replied Benjamin Franklin, emphatically, “but -the other delegates from Pennsylvania, Robert -Morris and James Wilson, I am convinced will -never do so. They love riches too well to disturb -present institutions. They are too close to, and -too much interested in the commercial element -of Philadelphia to be so radical. If they could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> -see money in the venture they would not hesitate.”</p> - -<p>“But do you not think that they can see the -great benefits to mankind in free institutions and -in the doctrine that all men are created free and -equal?” continued Mr. Jefferson.</p> - -<p>“Never, sir, so long as they think that there -is any reason to stand on the argument of non-interference -with settled usage and present commercial -relations. They believe that a Declaration -would bring war and an upheaval in trade. -You know they represent great commercial -houses in London, and they think that they would -be ruined to cut off their condition of agent and -hireling. They are thoroughly whipped into line -by a policy of commercial cowardice and dependence. -They cannot see that to be independent -of England’s merchants would be for their own -benefit,” argued Franklin to his listeners’ delight.</p> - -<p>“I believe that they will see the error of their -way,” continued Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>“Yes, when they find that they are overwhelmingly -outvoted by the rest of us,” remarked -Jefferson. “But those commercial people think -that the world revolves around them and that -we farmers are mere satellites, reflecting their -wisdom,” continued Jefferson lightly.</p> - -<p>“But what about the printers?” inquired -Franklin with a smile.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>“Oh, they have no right to exist, when they -print the truth about these lords of creation,” -insisted Jefferson.</p> - -<p>“When they speak of themselves as men of -substance, I find that they are mighty small -potatoes, when they require a man of physic -to keep body and soul together,” happily joined -in Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>“Really, these commercial people are to be -pitied,” said Franklin. “Their glory is of short -duration. To-day they are princes of commerce, -and to-morrow they are paupers. So we must -be charitable with them and let them show how -little they know, as they usually do in a bombastic -way. Like a ‘tinkling cymbal’ and ‘a sounding -brass’ their glory passeth as the night.”</p> - -<p>By this time a servant announced supper, -and the three retraced their steps in jolly good -humor to the mansion, for their appetites were -unusually keen.</p> - -<p>At supper Dr. Franklin exclaimed when he -tasted the wild fruit that Mollie had provided:</p> - -<p>“William, where did you get such delicious -wild fruit?”</p> - -<p>“Why, sir, our daughter, Mollie, and Segwuna, -the Indian maiden, gathered the best on the estate,” -as he indicated Miss Mollie with a gesture of his -hand, whereupon Mollie blushed inordinately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> -as the two distinguished guests smiled graciously -upon her.</p> - -<p>“Did I understand you to say ‘Segwuna’?” -asked the philosopher. “Segwuna, Segwuna,” -he continued. “Why, Mr. Jefferson, we have -heard that name before. It is so peculiar.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, certainly, Doctor,” was Mr. Jefferson’s -response. “She is the mysterious Indian -maiden that has been such a constant attendant -upon our meetings of Congress. Why, -she would be at our door as we passed in, and -still there as we passed out. She has been observed -by several gentlemen. At all times she -looks eagerly into our faces as though anxious -for some sign or news that would please her. -Her face lights up with an intelligence that haunts -me ever since I first met her gaze. She seemed -so pure and noble that I have been more than -once moved at the presence of this lone Indian -girl,—the sole representative of her race among -the curious throng that have watched our deliberations. -If she lives near by,” continued the statesman -with much earnestness in his tone, “I would -like to question her, and learn her purpose at the -doors of Congress.”</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon was surprised at this information -and he replied with lively interest:</p> - -<p>“You certainly may see our forest child, Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> -Jefferson, and in fact, this very evening; for -Segwuna has grown up on our estate, and if any -honor attaches to the meeting, Dorminghurst -shall claim it,” concluded the host as he turned -to Dr. Franklin with a merry twinkle in his eye.</p> - -<p>“May I take you to the lodge of Segwuna, -Mr. Jefferson?” enthusiastically questioned Miss -Mollie, as her eyes danced with joy at the mention -of her favorite companion by these distinguished -gentlemen. “Segwuna,” she added, “has told -me that great events were going to happen within -the present moon and that great leaders of men -were to come forth and proclaim the sweetest -message from the Great Spirit that human kind -had ever heard.</p> - -<p>“She has been to the meetings of Congress,” -innocently burst out Segwuna’s companion, “to -watch for what the Manitou has told her would -come to pass, because she has told me all about it.”</p> - -<p>“How do you suppose the Indian maiden can -foretell such great matters, Miss Mollie?” asked the -venerable Dr. Franklin, who was really affected -by the enthusiasm of his young friend.</p> - -<p>“Why, Mr. Franklin, there is much that is -good and wise in Segwuna. She seeks out the -poor and sick in the city and carries them medicine -and game. She says that the rich are too proud -and grasping to remember the poor.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>“She says such wise things and tells me that -her Manitou has sent her as a guiding star to me, -and that she will protect me from much danger,” -continued Miss Mollie, with a tinge of real sentiment -in her voice.</p> - -<p>As the question had been answered most -interestingly by Miss Mollie, Mr. Jefferson seemed -to be seriously taken up with the philosophy of -Segwuna, and turned to Dr. Greydon suggesting -that they might go to the lodge of Segwuna and -interview her upon the glowing topics of the day -as the sage of Monticello remarked:</p> - -<p>“For we know not from what source we may -gather wisdom that shall illumine our path.”</p> - -<p>When the meal had been finished, and the -gentlemen had relished their pipes under the -hemlocks, the whole party strolled on their way -with Mollie as leader. They took the path past -the mill on the Wingohocking and through the -wild-wood trail in the soft light of the early evening -to the lodge of Segwuna.</p> - -<p>Nothing could be more peaceful or simple in -nature than the lone wigwam in a rift of the -woods, approached by a well-beaten path through -the underbrush. The curling smoke of a lazy -fire was streaming skyward in the still evening -air, with an atmosphere broken by no sound -except the barking of an Indian’s dog.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>There sat the mother on a mat before the -wigwam, and peering from the inside was Segwuna, -standing shyly out of sight, but able to perceive -the approach of the party with Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>Kaubequa sat quietly at her wigwam entrance -and when Dr. Greydon approached and greeted -her in her own tongue, she replied and smiled -as she asked Segwuna to step out and greet them.</p> - -<p>As the daughter obeyed, Mollie ran and took -Segwuna by both hands, and led her toward -Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson,—both of whom -bowed very low when Miss Mollie presented -her shy Indian companion.</p> - -<p>As Dr. Franklin could discern serious eagerness -in Mr. Jefferson’s countenance, he volunteered -to unravel the Indian girl’s mind.</p> - -<p>“Segwuna, we have observed you at the meetings -of Congress, and may we ask why you are so much -interested in the proceedings?” asked Dr. Franklin, -when he had been presented to Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Mr. Franklin,” answered the Indian -maid, “Segwuna never misses a day. The Great -Spirit is watching every word said in Congress. -I am bound to do His bidding. He wishes -Americans to be free and make all men equal. -The Indians love liberty. The soil which the -white man has adopted for his home, in the -beginning was given by the Great Spirit to His<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> -children, the Indians. Each Indian was to be -his own lord and master, and whoever lives on -the Indian’s land shall derive the same right. -What the Great Spirit hath given shall never -be taken away.”</p> - -<p>When Mr. Jefferson had found much force in -the first answer, he nervously continued with a -question:</p> - -<p>“Do you believe, Segwuna, that this land of -ours shall be free and prosperous forever?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Jefferson, the Great Spirit in the -first place gave the Indians this land. He told -them that they would be given the means of -subduing all of the earth, if they would only -be industrious and cultivate the gift of corn and -make good use of His gift.</p> - -<p>“If they did not make good use of the gift, -his white brother would come and take his birth-right -away. So, as the Indians heeded not what -the Great Spirit commanded, his white brother -has succeeded to all the good that the Indian’s -corn was intended to be for the land.”</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon was amazed at the answers -already given and thought that something more -than common knowledge was her heritage, so -he attempted a question:</p> - -<p>“Is the Indian’s white brother to resist his -enemy, the King across the water?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>“Yes, Dr. Greydon, if the Great Spirit had -given this land to all men alike and all men are -to be equal in His sight no King can prosper on -the soil where Indian corn is grown; for when -the King’s soldiers eat the corn of the Great -Spirit, they shall turn upon their King and fight -for liberty like the Indian and the Indian’s white -brother.”</p> - -<p>“O Segwuna, will you tell the gentlemen -what the Great Spirit says shall come to the land -of the Indians when the King shall cease to hold -sway over it?” was the question of Mollie, who -had heard Segwuna talk about these things before.</p> - -<p>“Yes, my sweetheart, I love to look upon my -native land, the land of my forefathers, as the -most powerful of the nations. But the Great -Spirit must be obeyed, or the white brother of the -Indian shall lose all like the Indian.</p> - -<p>“The Indians have lost their beautiful land -because they did not make good use of the Great -Spirit’s gift,—the Indian corn. They left the -planting of it to the women, while they followed -the chase. But the Indian’s white brother must -make good use of this gift and become very powerful -as the Great Spirit promised. Yet when the -white man shall get too proud to eat the Indian’s -corn for food, he then also shall lose this beautiful -land.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>“The King laughs at the Indian’s corn and -at the Indian’s skins for raiment and at the -Indian’s love for equality; but the King must -learn to give freely to his unfortunate brother. -All of this the King and his white brother must -learn from the Indian. When any one starves -in the tribe, the chief must starve also.</p> - -<p>“If the King takes all of the corn away from -his hunters and gives it to the chiefs, the Great -Chief will become angry and take his corn away -from his land so that the King and his chiefs -shall have to become hunters too.”</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of this last answer, Mr. -Jefferson stepped up to Segwuna and thanked -her for her kindness, and handed her a silver -coin.</p> - -<p>But at this last act Segwuna smiled and with -polite dignity returned the coin and said:</p> - -<p>“The Great Spirit hath no token of worth -except His bounteous love and kindness.”</p> - -<p>In return Mr. Jefferson seemed greatly pleased -as he politely shook the hand of Segwuna and -replied:</p> - -<p>“My dear child, you have a noble spirit and -I shall remember what you have told us.”</p> - -<p>The other gentlemen shook the hand of Segwuna -and Mollie kissed her as they left to return to -the mansion.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>On the way all turned to Dr. Franklin to learn -his opinion of the philosophy of the Indian girl.</p> - -<p>After a short period of silent reflection on the -part of all, the good-humor of the old printer -could not be held in as he solemnly said:</p> - -<p>“If the King of Great Britain does not subdue -the Americans, he shall have to acknowledge -the corn.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Barclugh</span> started on his long and perilous -ride to Washington’s headquarters at Fishkill; -thence to New York.</p> - -<p>He was oblivious to all that passed him on -the road. He travelled on, and on, to the ferry -at Trenton, conscious of nothing but his own -thoughts. The more that he willed to divorce -the image of Mollie Greydon from his mind, -the more his soul rebelled. He at last reasoned -that another existence than his own had entered -his life, and he could not explain the cause. But -should he only let his thoughts dwell unrestricted -on his business, at least he might be able to dismiss -her, as he had many times the existence of the -gay infatuations of his life in Paris.</p> - -<p>However, her beauty of face, her form and her -carriage not only enthralled him, but he dwelt -upon the character that he found in the kindly -twinkle of her deep hazel eyes; her understanding -of the great principles of human liberty; her -patriotism; her devotion to the soldiery of her -native land. All were grand conceptions to dwell -upon.</p> - -<p>In her there was no first consideration of self,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> -like the frivolous woman of fashion. She knew -that a mission in life was the proper destiny for one -to follow; and in the trying needs of her country -she knew that clothes and food for the Continentals -needed her best and undivided effort.</p> - -<p>She knew that every dozen of eggs, every fowl, -every blanket, every pair of woolen socks, every -yard of homespun, spoke volumes to the patient, -ill-fed, and ill-clothed Continental who was -serving for the principles of the Declaration,—serving -with no pay and expecting none. She -was happy in the pursuit of her humble mission; -she had no grievance with which to worry others. -Her mission was to render some one happy with -her deeds; consequently her life was full of elements -that daily exemplified the sweetness of her existence -to others.</p> - -<p>The natural tendency of a commonplace -intellect would be to sternly rebuke others who -expressed opinions opposed to his own ambitions; -but the philosophy of human nature carried -Barclugh into deeper considerations. He had -his particular objects to accomplish and had his -plans matured to effect them; therefore, he kept -quiet about his own principles and tried to learn -every detail about the opinions of the opposition. -Thus he would be prepared to use the weak points -of his adversary to his own advantage.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>He thought he knew that Colonial gentlemen -were much like their Anglo-Saxon ancestry, -honest, fearless and loyal to their convictions; -but if, after a protracted struggle, they found -their cause defeated and their case hopeless, -they would submit. Their love of peace and -tranquillity would overcome their feelings about -independence. They would be satisfied with -the forms of liberty without the substance. He -reasoned that history repeats itself among his -countrymen. When the Normans conquered the -Anglo-Saxon, his submission to the regime of -William the Conqueror was complete. He reasoned -that a decisive stroke of the English arms would -reconcile the Colonists to the helplessness of -their cause.</p> - -<p>These convictions led him more seriously than -ever to conclude that the dominant party at the -end of the war would have the allegiance of -the whole country. Therefore Roderick Barclugh -was more resolute than ever to seize West Point -by means of gold and afterwards ally himself -and his fortunes to the virtues and zeal of Mollie -Greydon.</p> - -<p>He travelled on the main turnpike that led -northward from Philadelphia, along the Delaware, -until he reached Bristol, which commands a -beautiful view of the river. He stopped at an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> -inn kept by a Mr. Benezet, and announced himself -thus:</p> - -<p>“My name is Pierre La Fitte. I am a merchant -from Philadelphia, and travelling to Boston. -Have no news, am tired and hungry. Have you -provender for my horse and dinner for me?”</p> - -<p>The landlord looked up in astonishment at the -brusque preclusion of prying questions as to the -business, destination and knowledge of a stranger. -Even the servants tiptoed when they came into -the presence of their august guest.</p> - -<p>However, the dinner and lodging were most -excellent, and the breakfast was more than could -be expected at a country inn, but when Barclugh -paid his bill in the morning the innkeeper had -charged double prices for his guest’s exclusiveness. -As Barclugh got what he desired,—no questions,—he -did not mind the payment, but before he -had been many more days on this journey he -learned that Colonial hospitality was not always -dealt out on a money basis, and he was exceedingly -glad to change his mannerisms.</p> - -<p>The refreshing sleep at the Bristol inn was -excellent to Barclugh, and the next morning -he started out with his spirits in high glee. The -enthusiasm of his nature was now working out -the possibilities of his mission, and he was calculating -the possibilities of danger in his journey,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -all of which acted upon him as a stimulant, while -his horse was cantering along the Delaware -road, in the fresh morning air, toward Trenton.</p> - -<p>A ferry crosses the Delaware three miles below -the town, and Barclugh took it to the Jersey side -and went to an inn at Trenton that had a sign -swinging on a high post, representing a beaver -at work with his teeth, gnawing down a large tree, -underneath which was written, “Perseverando.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh was inclined to stop at the tavern to -give his horse a rest and to refresh himself while -he would be feeling his ground about his journey -northward.</p> - -<p>The hour was about ten o’clock in the morning, -when the old men of the town began to gather -at the tavern for a gossip over the war news, and -to indulge in their daily allowance of rum in the -tap-room. As Barclugh dismounted and sauntered -up the steps which led into the public house, -all eyes were turned upon the stranger. He seated -himself in an arm-chair at a round table. A -large square room having a low ceiling and settles -standing at right angles to the fireplace met -his glance; the smoke was curling slowly from -smouldering logs into the chimney-space; a lazy, -fat, round-faced Swede was lolling at the end -of the bar, and several casks of wine and liquor -placed upon racks to the left of the counter were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> -labelled, “Rum,” “Madeira,” “Canary,” “Cherry -Bounce,” “Perry,” and “Cider.”</p> - -<p>A brace of old cronies whose only cares now -were to meet each other in the tap-room daily -and talk over the prowess among men in their -youthful days, and despair about the effeminate -youth of the present; and wonder what the world -was coming to, were seated at a table and gazed -at the stranger.</p> - -<p>“He, he, he!” chuckled old Samuel Whitesides, -as Barclugh seated himself and ordered a hot rum -punch, for the morning air was chilly. “I declare, -those whippersnappers daown in Philadelphia -are makin’ a fool aout of Ben Arnold,—he’s -got a mighty high snortin’ kind of a gal -that he’s hitched up to,—and I b’leave, brother -Hopper, that he would like to be out of the clutches -of them money-grabbers. He’s too good a fighter -to be gallavantin’ around in silks and satins.”</p> - -<p>“How queer! how queer!” squeaked out old -Jonathan Hopper, as he leaned over and poked -his old companion in the ribs. “Say, Sam, if -we were young agin like Ben, we would not -prefer to stay ’round with aour wife in the city -than to be chasing those redcoats from Dan to -Beshabee, partic’larly if we had been married -less than a year, eh, Sam’l! Wall, I guess not! -He, he, he! Eh, Samuel?” as he poked old Sam<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -in the ribs again with his cane.</p> - -<p>“Wa’al, Jonathan, when we were boys, thar -was no time for this high-fa-lutin’ keepin’ honey-moon, -keepin’ honey-moon. What we had to do -was to git married and leave Betsy at home while -we went to work to git som’thin’ to keep body -and soul together. But naow, even in these -war times, our Ginerals are snoopin’ araound -in these high jinks fashion, waitin’ on their -leedies in taown.”</p> - -<p>“Quite keerect, quite keerect, Sam’l, but I -calcalate if you and I were to live it over agin -and had a chanc’t to git into all these doin’s that -the young sprouts now have, in the large taowns, -I b’leeve we would be as keen as ennybody for -pleesure. For what’s the use of you, you old -rascal, skrewin’ yourself up into a pritty pass -over the young uns, for natur’ is natur’ and let -natur’ take its course, Sam’l. But how queer! -how queer!” said old Jonathan as he again -poked Samuel in the ribs and took another sip -out of the rum glass.</p> - -<p>By the time the pint of rum was consumed -by these relicts of the reign of Queen Anne, they -were generally ready to go up the road arm in -arm, each with a cane, just mellow enough to -show the young sprouts that nobody need show -them how to step off with the dignity of an Indian.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>However, on this day matters took a different -turn.</p> - -<p>Barclugh stepped up to the old gentlemen and -inquired modestly:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, may I ask you the best road to -Princeton?”</p> - -<p>“To be sure, sir,” replied old Samuel, as he -turned toward Barclugh, leaning forward with -both hands on his walking-stick as he sat gazing -into Barclugh’s face:</p> - -<p>“But have we the pleasure of the gentleman’s -name and occupation?” quizzed the old man.</p> - -<p>Barclugh was not quite ready for the inquisitive -familiarity of the reply, but as he commenced -with a question there was no alternative in his -case but to answer up cheerfully:</p> - -<p>“My name is Pierre La Fitte; I am a merchant -of Philadelphia on my way to Fishkill Landing.”</p> - -<p>“Humph, you got a pretty skittish ride before -you, Mr. La Fitte, and I b’leeve the longest road -is the shortest for you. You just keep right on -to Princeton and then to Morristown Heights -and when you git five miles beyond Morristown -you ask for my son-in-law, Benjamin Andrews, and -he will take good care of you and all you need -to tell him is that you met old Samuel Whitesides -and it won’t cost you a farthing for your keep.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_178fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">“Have we the pleasure of the gentleman’s name and<br /> -occupation?” quizzed the old man.</p> - -<p>However, as this conversation was proceeding,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -old Jonathan kept his eye closely on the stranger -as he sat with his chin on both hands which were -resting on his cane before him.</p> - - - - -<p>Barclugh noticed that he was being scrutinized -very sharply and he did not relish his position, -but he looked out at his horse and turned to go -with a parting bow to the two old men, while he -thanked his informant twice.</p> - -<p>No sooner had the stranger mounted than -the old men arose to watch him disappear up the -road.</p> - -<p>“Sam’l,” said Hopper, “what d’ye think of -that ’ere stranger? I b’leeve he has no good -around these parts. He had an uneasy and -restless look in his eye. He’s got some deep-laid -business on his mind and I don’t think that was -his name that he told us. Mabbee he’s one of -those consarned British spies that we hear so -much about these times.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, you got to git yourself all worked -up naow, Jonathan, and all on account of that -gentleman addressing me to the hexclusion of -yourself. If you thought that he was a spy why -didn’t you step up to him and demand his passports? -Now that he is gone you can concoct all -kinds of dreams about him; that’s cowardly, -Jonathan, that’s cowardly.”</p> - -<p>“Sam’l,” came the hot reply, “you and I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> -been boys and men together, but when you -impeach the bravery of an old soldier,—one who -has been at Crown Point and Ticonderogy, too! -Why, sir, that is beyond endurance, and before -I shall be seen coming down this road again with -you, may bunions like onions grow out of my -toes. I shall leave you, sir, I shall leave you,” -sputtered old Jonathan as he hobbled to his -feet, livid and glaring at Samuel with rage.</p> - -<p>As he shuffled across the room with the aid -of his cane, he made for the door and straightway, -as fast as his bunions would allow him, striding -up the road, he cut the air with his hands and -cane, muttering: “I’ll be damned first, I’ll be -damned first.”</p> - -<p>However, Jonathan had not gone very far -before he met a young Indian girl going in the -opposite direction. She stopped and very quietly -asked:</p> - -<p>“Sir, could you tell me if you have seen a -gentleman on a black horse go along the road -this morning travelling for Fishkill to General -Washington’s headquarters? He was tall and -dark and wore a velvet waistcoat of dark blue.”</p> - -<p>“Why, my girl, yes, that’s right. He was going -to Fishkill. Certainly, you just come with me, -I’ll show you a man that knows all about him. -He was just talking with him. I b’leeve that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -’ere man you ask for is a rascal, and Samuel -can’t turn my head abaout it neethur.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I believe he has no good purposes -in taking this journey. I have seen him and -General Arnold meet after midnight alone.”</p> - -<p>“Look at that! look at that!” continued old -Jonathan. “Mabbee Sam’l won’t listen to that. -You come along with me, my girl. I want -you to show that old wiseacre a thing or two. -Come along with me, my girl.”</p> - -<p>When they arrived at the door of the tap-room, -the Indian girl hesitated and paused at the doorway -while Jonathan bolted up to Samuel as though -he were going to eat him up.</p> - -<p>But Jonathan said in his most persuasive tones:</p> - -<p>“Samuel, there’s a young lady here, that wants -to ask you about that gentleman on his way to -Fishkill.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, certainly, Jonathan. I’ll do anything -to please you,” returned Samuel as he rose -and went to the Indian girl, who stood at the -doorway of the tavern, as she asked:</p> - -<p>“Has this gentleman told you where he was -going?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” spoke up Samuel as he straightened -to his full height to answer. “He sid he was goin’ -to Feeshkill.”</p> - -<p>“I b’leeve he was lyin’,” interjected Jonathan,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -with a snap in his voice. “I think he’s goin’ -somewhere else and he wanted to put us off his -tracks. Now, what do you think, young lady?”</p> - -<p>“It’s hard to tell, sir, but I saw him visit -General Arnold.</p> - -<p>“What name did he give you, sir?”</p> - -<p>“He said: ‘My name is Pierre La Fitte, and -I am a merchant of Philadelphia on my way -to Feeshkill,’” replied Samuel.</p> - -<p>“Why, that’s not his real name,” returned -Segwuna. “His name is Roderick Barclugh.”</p> - -<p>“Look at that, look at that,” said Jonathan, -glaring at Samuel. “I knew that you would be -up to great bizness when you asked that rascal -to stop at Ben Andrews’. He may be a reg’lar -cut-throat.”</p> - -<p>“Now, look a’ here, Jonathan, I think that you’re -a-pokin’ your nose too far into my way of doin’ -things, d’ye hear?” ejaculated Samuel, as he -pounded on the floor with his walking-stick, -by way of emphasis.</p> - -<p>Jonathan Hopper glared at Samuel as he -strode off indignantly toward the other part -of the room, while Segwuna talked to Samuel -Whitesides about Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Segwuna immediately took her departure on -the road to Princeton as soon as she learned -that Barclugh had left for that direction.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>The two old cronies agreed that the stranger -was more mysterious after they had learned -that this Indian girl was following his footsteps.</p> - -<p>For weeks afterward Uncle Sam and his friend -Jonathan had an incident of consequence to -discuss in the queer occurrences of that morning -at the inn.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIX</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As Barclugh</span> mounted his steed and cantered -through Trenton, he saw happy children and -old men, chickens and ducks at every household. -Occasionally the housewife came to the side door -and gazed with arms akimbo at the strange -horse and rider.</p> - -<p>There was much to occupy Barclugh’s thoughts -as he rode over this road. A little over a year -previous here the hirelings of George III laid -down their arms to the intrepid Washington, -and his mission was to overcome by means of -money what Britain’s generals had lost at arms. -The irony of the situation aroused his red blood. -He quickened the pace of his horse as the blood -surged through his body at the thoughts of the -enormity of his undertaking.</p> - -<p>Quickly he left the town and turned his direction -toward Princeton. He knew that he was travelling -on martial ground. He soon came to and had -to cross the identical bridge that Washington -had so gallantly defended against Cornwallis, -whom he had sent to camp; but ere the morning, -the thunder of American artillery in the rear at -Princeton awoke the British to the fact that they -were out-generalled.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>Also the sleepy town of Princeton presented -its scenes of disaster to Barclugh, who was riding -along on his solitary journey of intrigue. Here -he had to pass in view of Nassau Hall, where -Washington’s force surrounded two hundred -British and compelled them to surrender. On -his way thither he had to pass over the road that -Washington’s rear-guard had so successfully -blocked to the British advance by chopping -down timber across the roadway and by burning -the bridges behind him.</p> - -<p>The British representative gnashed his teeth -to actually see how helpless was the situation of -Washington’s band of barefooted patriots one -day at Trenton, and the next how triumphant -under the daring leader as he marched his little -force to safety at Morristown Heights.</p> - -<p>The question never was so vividly presented -to mortal mind as now to Barclugh, to learn -the foundation for such intrepid feats in the -presence of thoroughly disciplined European -forces. Americans had no training or discipline; -so, how did they maintain such superiority with -such inferior numbers?</p> - -<p>As Barclugh had not journeyed in the heart -of American territory without being wide-awake -to every bit of character, he had not forgotten -the injunction of old Samuel Whitesides to visit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> -his son-in-law, Benjamin Andrews. His home -was five miles north of Morristown. Here he -could rest and perhaps learn something.</p> - -<p>North of Princeton the country begins to grow -abruptly hilly, and at Morristown veritable mountains -occur, with broad valleys stretching to the -northeast and southwest. But beyond Morristown -the country grows hard to travel through. -The ridges grow steeper, the settlers fewer, and -the timber thicker. The streams find a chance -to gurgle around the rocks and roar over the falls. -The wilderness impressed Barclugh. As his horse, -that was now jaded, carried him upon a ridge, -he stood, to take in the extensive landscape. -When ridge upon ridge met his eye the immensity -of the Colonial territory grew to a realization -upon his mind. His journey was more than a -revelation to him; it was a conviction of how -little the King’s advisers knew about the conditions -in America, while gaming around the green tables -at Brooks’.</p> - -<p>Nestling among the timber in the valley of the -Whippany River was a settler’s log-house. It -stood back from the roadside and was approached -by a serpentine road, crude at present, but designed -some day to grace more pretentious grounds. -But what a pity the settler’s axe had not spared -a few of those giants of the forest, whose degradation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> -was evidenced by the blackened stumps of -the clearing.</p> - -<p>However, the pioneer had no time to consider -anything but present utility in those days, and -as Barclugh turned his horse down the road -toward this house, he was met in the dooryard -by Benjamin Andrews, whose six feet four of -brawn and sinew had unmistakable characteristics -of force and endurance. Simplicity of life -and hard labor developed such men.</p> - -<p>“May I have lodging and fodder for my horse?” -said Barclugh as he rode up to the settler. “I -have been directed to you by Mr. Samuel Whitesides, -while travelling through Trenton.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I b’leeve you kin, if daddy Whitesides -sent you here. Thomas, take the gentleman’s -horse. Bless me, come in and get warm. My -Nancy will be glad to hear from daddy. What’s -the news from south’ard?” were the words of -welcome of the settler, as he led the way to the -latched door. He pulled on the string that opened -into the large room that answered for kitchen, -dining-room and sleeping-room, except for the -loft that was used by the children to sleep in.</p> - -<p>As Barclugh entered the log-house, he found -Mrs. Andrews standing in the middle of the -room, shyly holding her apron, and shielding -a four-year-old boy who was holding on to her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -skirt and gazing at the stranger in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Nancy, this gentleman was sent to us by -daddy,” was the introduction of the stranger by -the husband, and the wife curtsied, nodding -her head as the youngster began to cry. But -no name was necessary to be mentioned so long -as he knew daddy.</p> - -<p>However, Barclugh accepted the native hospitality, -and cheerfully took the chair proffered -him before the comfortable fireplace, while the -housewife went silently about her duties.</p> - -<p>Benjamin Andrews had been on his farm in -the Whippany valley nearly two years, and he -had a comfortable log-house well chinked and -roofed with shakes riven out of white pine. A -good-sized log-barn, thatched with straw, six -head of cattle,—three cows and three yearlings,—one -full sow and three porkers running about -the yard,—two indifferent horses worth about -four guineas each, constituted Andrews’ belongings. -His land was one hundred and eighty -acres, for which he paid forty pounds sterling, -and about thirty-five acres of which was under -tillage.</p> - -<p>With willing hands, he and his family had -started in the primitive forest to make a home. -They had left the parental roof with three children -and about thirty pounds in ready money, saved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -by several years of hard labor. They had two -cows and a heifer, a pair of old horses, a sow, -utensils, and a provision of flour and cider to -take to their new home.</p> - -<p>That night Barclugh sat in a large arm-chair -before a blazing log fire, after he had done full -justice to a bowl of fresh milk and cornmeal mush, -also a plentiful portion of fried pork and boiled -potatoes with their jackets on. Relays of creamy -bread and rich, wholesome butter had done him -more service, after his weary journey, than a -dinner <i>à la carte</i> at the Café Rochefoucauld in his -native Paris.</p> - -<p>However, what rankled in the brain of Barclugh -was the collection of so much real contentment -and the enjoyment of much comfort and plenty in -the wilderness in so short a time. Whence had it -sprung? Could one man accomplish much in so -short a period? Barclugh could not restrain his -anxiety for enlightenment. He began to ask -questions:</p> - -<p>“How have you built such a fine home in -so short a time, Mr. Andrews?” were the words -addressed to the settler, who sat smoking his -pipe, while the two older children hung around -their father, gazing at the stranger from behind -their father’s chair.</p> - -<p>“Wal, it’s ben pritty hard work, but you see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> -we’ve ben pritty lucky. When we fust came on -the land, nigh on to two year ago, our neighbors,—”</p> - -<p>“What, have you neighbors, Mr. Andrews?” -interjected Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Wal, a few, sir. After we got on to the land, -as I was sayin’, four of them came with their -oxen and axes, and in two days we hed this -here house put up and the floor hewed and the -chimney built and then in the fall they came agin, -but more on ’em, and we hed a barn-raisin’ and -daddy was here and we hed a rip-roarin’ old time -with that barrel of cider that I kept over and that -five gallon of rum that daddy brought from taown.”</p> - -<p>“But didn’t it cost you anything to do all -of this?” was the inquiry of Barclugh, as he sat -listening in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Nary a farthing, ’cept the cider the boys had -and the grub. But that summer I hed raised lots -of ’taters and a good piece of corn and a piece -of wheat in the clearance, the milk of the cows -kept the sow goin’ and the chickens gave us lots -of eggs. Nancy here” (who stopped and smiled -at the mention of her name) “raised all those -chickens,—but the first winter I hed a close -shave on the cattle and horses, but I kinder looked -ahead for that and the spring before I found -a nat’ral medder down the river and I mowed -abaout six acres of r’al good hay and stacked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> -it up for caow feed. That was mighty lucky, -for thet winter was hard and browsing was short -in the woods for the cattle and the horses.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, do you let your stock run loose in the -winter, Mr. Andrews?” was the next interrogation.</p> - -<p>“Why, sir, them old pelters of horses will find -a bit o’ grass if it’s kivered six inches in snow, and -two mile away. They’ll paw right through a -crust of snow for a bite of nat’ral grass. But -I keep them up at night and feed ’em in the stable. -Cattle and horses do better to run out when the -weather isn’t too cold.”</p> - -<p>“But tell me, Mr. Andrews, how do you raise -crops among those stumps?” was the question -from Barclugh’s puzzled mind that broke the -serenity of his amazement.</p> - -<p>“Wal, Mister,’scusin’ my curiosity, but where -were you raised? I guess they didn’t know much -in them parts. For, I’d rather have ’taters on -a piece of new ground. Then corn grows taller -en your head in new ground. At fust we go in and -cut out all the small trees, and girdle the big ones -so that we can go in and clear and break up the -new soil, for it’s meller and rich. Then we have -loggin’-bees when a new settler comes into the -neighborhood. In that way he gets a good boost.”</p> - -<p>“Do you have to get up these bees, as you call -them? What are bees?” continued our interrogator,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -who desired to make the most of his -opportunity.</p> - -<p>“Wal, that’s mighty queer you don’t know -what bees are. Why they’re very common in -these parts. But say, Mister, you must come from -some seaport town where there’s no sich things. -I guess you’re mighty green ennyhow, for bees -ain’t new aroun’ here. Where air you from? -I hain’t seed sich a greeny in all my life,” were -the concluding words of Andrews, as he actually -laughed aloud.</p> - -<p>“I am from Philadelphia, Mr. Andrews,” -replied Barclugh, who fully appreciated the confiding -nature of the settler.</p> - -<p>“But you’re not raised thar,” continued Andrews.</p> - -<p>“No, in Paris.”</p> - -<p>“But you’re not French.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I speak the language.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know Mr. Franklin?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, I came here for him.”</p> - -<p>“You did?” queried Andrews. “Look at that, -Nancy,” continued Andrews, addressing his wife -who sat knitting at the table listening to the men’s -conversation. “This gentleman knows Benjamin -Franklin. How’s the French takin’ up the cause?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, they’re helping the Colonies,” replied -Barclugh, but continuing, in order to get at his -own line of thought, he asked:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>“Do you need much money to buy these lands -and start a home in the wilderness, Mr. Andrews?”</p> - -<p>“Wal,” replied Andrews, “as far as money is -consarned, nary a shilling have I made in two -year, but I hed some to start on,—mighty lettle -though, for I paid most on’t for the first payment -on my land, and then I’ll have to wait till I git -crops off this summer for the next payment. -But you see, we raise our livin’ and the old folks -at home make us some cloth for clothes while -we’re startin’, so that by next year we can help -ourselves right along.”</p> - -<p>“So you have no use for money at home, but -you get your pay for supplies furnished Mr. -Washington, don’t you?” queried Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Wal, that’s all well understood among our -people. When we have some pork or flour for -the army, or beef or grain, we take it to our nearest -depot and get a receipt for the stuff at the price -paid, and when it’s signed by General Washington’s -commissary that’s all the money we want -for our transactions. Our receipts will be redeemed -if Congress gains independence, and if -we fail we shall not need the receipts, for we shall -all be dead.”</p> - -<p>This last bit of information killed all the enthusiasm -in Barclugh’s breast, and, as he had observed -Andrews’ children and wife ascend the ladder<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> -in the corner, leading to the loft, he yawned and -began to wonder where he would sleep for the -night.</p> - -<p>Andrews noticed his evident desires and remarked:</p> - -<p>“Mister, I b’leeve you better turn in for the night, -and you will find your bed prepared in the corner -where Nancy and I sleep, but we allus give it -up to company,” were the parting remarks of -Barclugh’s host, who turned and climbed the -ladder into the loft.</p> - -<p>Dawn was barely visible when the Andrews -household was astir. Barclugh was up first, for -he occupied the sole living-room. Then a good -breakfast was soon steaming on the table,—consisting -of fried pork, fried eggs, potatoes and -bread and butter, and bowls of milk.</p> - -<p>After doing full justice to the frugal meal, -Barclugh started to prepare for departure. He -found his horse, well groomed, standing hitched -in the dooryard.</p> - -<p>Going up to Mrs. Andrews, Barclugh thanked -her for such a fine bed and such wholesome -meals. He then took the little boy in his arms -and kissed him while he congratulated the mother -upon her well-behaved children.</p> - -<p>As Barclugh stepped into the dooryard, he drew -a guinea from his pocket and placed it in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> -hand of Benjamin Andrews, remarking while -he did so:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Andrews, you have been so kind and -considerate of me, I wish to leave you my name -and give you a small token of my appreciation -of your generous and hearty hospitality. My -name is Roderick Barclugh; I am on my way to -General Washington’s headquarters, and I hope -that I may see you again. If I can be of any -service to you, I shall gladly be at your command.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, Mr. Barclugh, I thought mebbee you -had some desire to not give your name, and I -couldn’t be rude enough to ask you. But you -have mistaken Benjamin Andrews, when you -offer him gold for his simple services to a friend -of General Washington. I could not and I -would not be guilty of this kind er hospitality. -You may need this money before the war is over. -I can git along fust-rate without it,” were the -words of Andrews, as he looked straight into -Barclugh’s eyes and held out the coin for its -return.</p> - -<p>Barclugh reluctantly took the piece of gold -and being completely nonplussed at the sterling -qualities of his backwoods host, he grasped him -by the hand, and said with much earnestness:</p> - -<p>“Sir, I honor your courtesy and your sentiments. -May we meet again so that I can return your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> -kindness. I thank you.” At that the rider -turned and rode toward the gate.</p> - -<p>But before Barclugh could reach the gate, -little Sammy Andrews was on foot before him, -and as the horse passed through the gate, already -opened by Sammy, Barclugh beckoned the boy -to come near him and pressed into his hand a -small buckskin wallet containing two guineas, -telling the boy at the same time:</p> - -<p>“Sammy, take this to your mother with the -best wishes of Mr. Barclugh.”</p> - -<p>The boy flew toward the house, as Barclugh -rode up the road, and soon disappeared over the -hill, among the timber.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XX</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Passing</span> through scenes which impressed upon -Barclugh the virtues and the hardihood of the -Colonists, he rode the whole day wondering how -such noble souls as Benjamin Andrews were to be -conquered. They were resourceful, self-reliant, -and the peer of any Englishman in gentlemanly -virtues. So long as they had no need or desire -for the artificial demands of society their character -remained absolutely unassailable. But in the -cities, where luxury and old-world customs were -imbued, there the power of money would be felt, -and only there.</p> - -<p>However, after six days of travel, the suborner -of American character had had several good-sized -shocks to his theories, and one of these -was the fact that one hundred years ago or less, -the ground over which he had travelled had been -an unbroken wilderness, and now flourishing -settlements and homes were met at every turn. -What was Britain to do with four millions of earnest, -fearless people launched in a war for independence? -Oh, that the King’s advisers had known -what he had seen! They would have paused -and considered the demands of their people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> -across the sea.</p> - -<p>Such reveries were suddenly to cease, however, -for passing out of New Jersey on the mountain -road, Barclugh had passed into the confines of -Ulster County, New York, when he was abruptly -confronted by three armed men. He had been -walking ahead and leading his horse after a long -day’s travel and had no thoughts of war:</p> - -<p>“Halt! Friend? or foe? Advance and give the -countersign,” thundered out the leader of the -three.</p> - -<p>As Barclugh looked up he saw three gun-barrels -levelled at him, and not losing his nerve replied:</p> - -<p>“Friend! I will present my passport.”</p> - -<p>The passport was the one from Arnold, commandant -at Philadelphia. It ran as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Philadelphia, May 20, 1780.</p> - -<p>“To Commander of American Outposts:</p> - -<p>“The bearer of this passport, Mr. Pierre -La Fitte, will be granted safe convoy and allowed -to pass American outposts on his way to Fishkill.</p> - -<p>“He has important business with the Commander-in-Chief, -General Washington.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold.<br /> -“Major-General & Com. at Phil.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>“All’s well, Mr. La Fitte,” came from the leader. -“I spose you’re from the south’ard, and what -news is there, sir?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>“No news, sir. What is the shortest road to -Fishkill?” was the impatient answer of Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Methinks,” rejoined the leader, “that you -are in a mighty haste. What be your profession, -stranger?”</p> - -<p>Drawing himself up to his full height, Barclugh -replied:</p> - -<p>“I am a financier.” Hoping thus to overawe -the rustic soldiers.</p> - -<p>“Ah, a financier, a financier, eh? Wal, you -are the fust one that ever struck these parts. I -guess you are too rare a bird to be travelling among -our folks for no pains. I b’leeve we better pick -your feathers a little and see what kinder skin -you got!”</p> - -<p>“Boys, if we scratch his skin we might find -a Tartar, eh?” said the eldest of the three, and -the other two laughed at his wit.</p> - -<p>“Wal, I b’leeve if he’s a fi-an-cee man he oughter -have a lackey or two along to black his boots,” -said the second soldier as he nudged the leader -in the ribs, “and powder his hair. Ha! ha! ha! -Eh? boys?” continued the latter.</p> - -<p>“Look here, you will be punished for these -indignities, when I report you,” spoke up Barclugh, -threateningly.</p> - -<p>“Never mind, Mr. Feet, we know who is boss -in this ’ere neck of the mountains, and we’ll apply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> -first American principles to your case. I b’leeve -the majority rules in this taown meetin’.”</p> - -<p>“I say this feller is Mr. La Blackleg, and oughter -peel off for a little inwestergation,—and all of -those in favor of that motion will say ‘<i>aye</i>’!” -Up went three hands and a mighty “<i>aye</i>” in -unison.</p> - -<p>“Carried,” yelled the leader.</p> - -<p>Then the three laid strong hands on Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Resistance seemed in vain for Barclugh, and -he submitted, since he had prepared for just -such an emergency. He was calm, and said:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I am perfectly agreed you should -examine all of my papers, and take me to your -headquarters.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh took off his coat and handed it over; -then he took off his brace of pistols, boots, socks -and hat.</p> - -<p>There were but two papers in his coat,—one -the passport of Arnold, and another which the -leader read, who then danced around in high -glee, holding the letter high up in the air and -shouting:</p> - -<p>“Yi! yi! yi! We’ve got him, boys! Nary -a bit of honest bizness are these fiancee men up -to. How be it, he may be in-cog-ni-to, but -I b’leeve he’s pritty nigh to findin’ out he’s in -the wrong bizness for this country. Listen to this:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>As read:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Philadelphia, May 20, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Sir:</p> - -<p>“I take pleasure to recommend to your kindly -consideration, Mr. Roderick Barclugh, who is a -gentleman of substance and of good parts.</p> - -<p>“He is on a secret mission for me to New York, -to learn of the arrival of some important treasure -ships of the English, and also to assist in our -mutual business of privateering.</p> - -<p>“He is traveling <i>incognito</i> and if you can further -him on his journey, our common cause will be -very materially assisted.</p> - -<p>“With every sentiment of esteem and regard, -I am, dear General,</p> - -<p class="right">“Your most obedient servant,<br /> -“(Signed) R. FitzMaurice.</p> - -<p>“To His Excellency, General Washington.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>“I told you! I told you!” said the leader, “he -calls himself Mr. La Fitte, and here’s Mr. Barclugh -on a secret mission to New York about some -treasure ships. I wonder if he has any treasure -aboard naow. Boys, you jest peel off that feller’s -clothes a little more.”</p> - -<p>The other two went at Barclugh with surprising -energy, and examined every seam of his clothing, -and brought off a buckskin belt that was around<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> -his waist, and the three went at its contents.</p> - -<p>First they brought off fifty gold pieces, English -guineas.</p> - -<p>Then they felt some papers in a small pocket -and lo, here were bills of exchange on the Bank -of Amsterdam for eighty thousand pounds in gold.</p> - -<p>The leader held the bills up and counted three -each for twenty thousand pounds and two each -for ten thousand pounds, and then turning to -his companions, said seriously:</p> - -<p>“That beats my reckonin’. Boys, this fellow -is an infernal rascal, for he has more money on -his person than any one man can honestly earn. -Say, Mr. Feet, where did you git this treasure? -Did you earn it? Did you find it? Does it -belong to you?”</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” replied Barclugh, “if you will -conduct me to the camp of General Washington, -I will present you with the guineas I have and -any reasonable reward you may ask.”</p> - -<p>“Nary a guinea will an American soldier ask -from a stranger to perform his duty. You will -be conducted safely, with every guinea you have, -to Captain Thomas Storm and he will turn you -over to Colonel Abraham Brinkerhoff, who has -command of our precinct,” were the soldierly -words of the spokesman of the party as he continued:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>“Fall in, boys.”</p> - -<p>They now took up the march in silence, leading -the horse which carried their prisoner, bootless -and sockless, on the saddle.</p> - -<p>Their journey led Barclugh to Newburg, the -headquarters of Colonel Brinkerhoff, who at once -ordered the important prisoner with his papers -to the headquarters of General Washington.</p> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief received the papers -and went at once to his office, whither Roderick -Barclugh had been conducted, and very graciously -returned the bills and gold after reading the -letter from R. FitzMaurice, the financier, with -no remark except:</p> - -<p>“I am very sorry, Mr. Barclugh, that you were -handled so roughly yesterday by our outpost, -but you will understand that they have orders -to stop all travellers and search everybody that -they do not know personally. The road is much -used by the Tories and British going to and from -Canada.”</p> - -<p>“Our Colonel Hamilton has told me that -he has met you at dinner at Mr. FitzMaurice’s -and we would be pleased to have you stop over -night with us. Our fare is plain, but we shall -be pleased to make you as comfortable as possible.”</p> - -<p>“I shall take great pleasure in accepting your -kind offer, General, yet I shall be compelled to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -be away soon in the morning, since my business -is urgent,” replied Barclugh as he looked squarely -into the eyes of General Washington in order to -drink in every word that this great and good man -uttered.</p> - -<p>“You shall be at your own pleasure, Mr. -Barclugh. Colonel Hamilton will furnish you -passports.</p> - -<p>“Please excuse me further at present; Colonel -Hamilton will be here to take you to our quarters. -I will see you later on,” were the simple words -of the Commander, as he left Barclugh and -mounted his Virginia-bred horse for a review -of a new battalion from Connecticut.</p> - -<p>The town of Fishkill was one of those sleepy -little settlements during the Revolutionary War, -nestling in the shadow of a high promontory -projecting into the Hudson. However, in a -military way it was of great importance, since -the great highway between New England and -the Western States crossed the Hudson here; and -an important depot of supplies was maintained -there to furnish the needs of the northern army. -The prison, strongly palisaded, the workshops for -casting shot and cannon and the mills for making -powder were maintained at this convenient spot.</p> - -<p>The headquarters of General Washington and -his staff while on a tour of inspection were generally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> -assigned to one of the commodious farmhouses -of the time on the highroad skirting the Hudson -north of Fishkill. Washington and his military -family were finely quartered. A short distance -from the activities of the camp stood the commodious -Colonial residence of Colonel Hay, on high -ground overlooking a most wonderful scope -of surrounding country. There was Newburg -across the broad river; Storm King and Crow’s -Nest loomed up in the vision out of the Hudson; -and tier upon tier of the hazy blue Catskills rose -in the northwest to soothe a soul’s longing for -enchantment.</p> - -<p>While seated in a tent on the grounds of the -mansion, and while musing on the scene that lay -before him, Barclugh was approached by the -urbane and talented Colonel Hamilton, who -escorted him to the house.</p> - -<p>There Colonel Tilghman, one of the aides, -was met. He conversed most delightfully with -Barclugh for an hour or more, until dinner was -spread and the General had arrived.</p> - -<p>With the General came Generals Knox and -Wayne to dine, and after a short presentation and exchange -of compliments they all sat down to dinner.</p> - -<p>The repast was simple,—served in the English -fashion, eight or ten dishes filled with meat, -poultry and vegetables, placed on the table and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -followed by a course of pastry. After this, the -cloth was removed and apples and nuts in profusion -were served. They were eaten during toasting -and calm conversation. The General was very -fond of this after-dinner intercourse, and prolonged -it sometimes for two hours.</p> - -<p>Barclugh now had the opportunity of his whole -journey,—to observe the caliber of the men who -held the fate of the Colonies in their hands. -He was amazed at the bearing and conversation -of Washington and his military family. The -dignity and the ease with which they made one -feel at his best, still, the reserve used, the high tone -of the sentiments expressed, commanded not only -respect but esteem for Washington and his cause.</p> - -<p>The Commander conversed pleasantly with -Barclugh,—but to penetrate the General’s business -or to divine his plans was to attempt the impossible. -There was a certain point to which one could -approach in Washington’s confidence, but beyond -that arose a barrier which no one could essay to -surmount.</p> - -<p>Such a feeling of remorse arose within Barclugh -that his previous intentions of setting forth the -virtues of Arnold waned and he could not muster -the moral force to open upon Arnold’s assignment -to West Point, unless the General asked -about Arnold himself.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>However, at eight o’clock Barclugh was summoned -from his room to supper after the English -custom.</p> - -<p>The supper was simple also. It consisted of -three or four light dishes, some fruit and above -all a great abundance of nuts, which were as well -received as at dinner.</p> - -<p>After Washington, his military attaches and -Barclugh had partaken of this light repast, the -cloth was removed and a few bottles of claret -and Madeira were placed on the table.</p> - -<p>The toasts this evening were given by Colonel -Hamilton, who was particular to mention several -of the belles of Philadelphia, whom Barclugh -had met. When it came the turn of Barclugh to -propose a sentiment or a toast, he asked them, -gracefully, to drink to the welfare and happiness -of Miss Greydon of Dorminghurst, all of which -was well received by those present.</p> - -<p>Exactly at ten o’clock the members of the -General’s staff presented themselves to Mr. -Barclugh, and after customary formalities retired -gracefully for the night, and left the General -alone with his guest.</p> - -<p>Washington filled the glass of Barclugh and -then his own and while nibbling a few kernels -of hickory nuts he said to his guest:</p> - -<p>“When you left France, Mr. Barclugh, did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -you think that the French monarch would maintain -an army for our cause?”</p> - -<p>“There was no question about it, General -Washington. Mr. Franklin told me as much -when the full effects of Burgoyne’s surrender and -the failure of Cornwallis and Howe to hold -Philadelphia were realized. The French monarch -was then encouraged to throw all of his resources -against England,” replied Barclugh, hoping to -put Washington off his guard, and have him grow -enthusiastic for his cause.</p> - -<p>But Barclugh was to be disappointed in this -result. Washington again asked him a leading -question:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, do you believe that the British -can use heroic measures to offset the French aid?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, General. The British will be sure -to exert themselves more than ever in that event. -You know that the British have a great navy and -great resources of money. When the power -of money is put in the balance, the weaker force -will have to succumb. That is the manner in -which the Britons argue,” contended Barclugh, -as he looked intently at Washington, waiting for -his reply.</p> - -<p>“Well,” replied the patriot patiently, “if the -English reason that way, they forget that men -have souls. Here is a nation of four million souls<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -waging war against the most powerful of monarchs, -and no money of our own. We came to America -because we had no money; the nobility had control -of it. We have built up a nation without money. -However, we shall defend it without the Englishman’s -money. Our people take the quartermaster’s -receipts as eagerly as they would British -sovereigns, and they pass current for all dues, -because we have grown up in the confidence of -mutual helpfulness. Destroy that confidence and -the Englishman’s guinea becomes mere dross. -If a ship were loaded with gold and human beings, -in case of distress, the Englishman would -sacrifice the human beings to save the gold, -whereas the American would throw overboard -the gold to save the human beings.</p> - -<p>“But when a soldier fights on the battlefield -simply to gain gold, he begins to think which is -more valuable, life or gold, and he loses confidence -in the gold; but when a soldier fights on a battlefield -for civil or religious liberty, he becomes -reckless of life and is willing to sacrifice all for -liberty.</p> - -<p>“Now, sir, we fear not the war of gold.”</p> - -<p>“But, General,” argued Barclugh, “will not -the commercial classes and the men of wealth -be influenced by considerations of Britain’s gold?”</p> - -<p>“The men of large wealth are already Tories,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -Mr. Barclugh, and against us. The commercial -classes will be on whichever side their trade is -encouraged. But the great mass of Colonists -are agriculturists, whose virtue is above reproach -and on whose hardihood and honesty of purpose -this nation must place its reliance. If they stand -firm and fight for the principles of our Declaration -of Independence, this nation shall never perish, -but if they allow artificial allurements of gold to -buy their liberty, then we shall have expedience -for our principles and laughter at our pretensions.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh saw that principles had firm root in -the Commander’s mind, but he thought that he -would sound for any petty prejudice that might -be lurking in his heart, so he cunningly said:</p> - -<p>“However, you know, General Washington, -that a great many Philadelphians seem to be -ambitious after wealth. I have noticed some -lukewarmness for the cause there.”</p> - -<p>Whereupon Washington at once began to get -reserved and continued the conversation by -asking:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, have you any news of General -Arnold?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, the last time I met General Arnold, -he complained about the great social demands -upon him, and that to meet his expenses he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -was driven almost to distraction. I could think -that this good man might be ruined in Philadelphia, -by too much gayety. Then you know, -General, that he was never before used to it.”</p> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief did not express an -opinion about Arnold, but Barclugh observed -that very careful mental note was made on what -was said of Arnold. However, he continued by -asking:</p> - -<p>“When you have completed your mission in -New York, how do you propose to return, Mr. -Barclugh? I shall be pleased to serve you. -I presume your mission is entirely of a business -nature and you will fight shy of the military -people,” in his most gracious and pleasing manner.</p> - -<p>“I wish to return by way of the Jerseys, General. -However, I may not be able to return at all.” -Desiring to impress upon Washington the seriousness -of his intentions, these were the concluding -remarks of Barclugh’s important conversation.</p> - -<p>After the exchange of a few civilities about -Philadelphia people and the exchange of mutual -compliments for the pleasant evening spent together, -Roderick Barclugh arose and retired to -his bed, determined to start early in the morning -for New York,—a journey of sixty miles.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">At sunrise,</span> the next morning after the conversation -with Washington, Roderick Barclugh -started with his passport signed by Colonel -Hamilton. He took up his journey on the road -that leads south through the highlands on the -east side of the Hudson to New York.</p> - -<p>From Fishkill the road is hemmed in on both -sides by steep hills. Glimpses of the river are -obtained occasionally as a traveller reaches some -vantage-point. An hour’s ride brought Barclugh -to a view of a broad stretch of the Hudson, and -there lay before him the object of all his travels -and labors,—West Point in full view.</p> - -<p>He leaped off his horse eagerly, and fastened -him to a sapling. Then with spying-glass in -hand, he found a seat which, in a commanding -position on a high cliff, overlooked the scene -like an amphitheatre below him.</p> - -<p>Proceeding to sketch the redoubts, approaches -and armament of West Point, Barclugh admired -the location as a military stronghold and thought -as he critically surveyed the situation:</p> - -<p>“If that palladium of liberty can be assaulted -and won with gold, General Washington may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -then admit that gold is mightier than either -the sword or pen.”</p> - -<p>However, he stood in thrilling admiration of -this wonderful work of engineering skill which -had been built by a nation that the English King -had been wont to call barbarous. Here, frowning -with cannon, were works that had risen out of -a desert in less than two years, and which would -have cost the English government five hundred -thousand pounds sterling, but they had been built -by Americans who did not expect pay.</p> - -<p>Immediately above West Point the Hudson -flows through two precipitous headlands almost -face to face,—one upon the east and the other upon -the west bank. After passing these two promontories -the river makes a quick turn to the -eastward, and then to the southward, thus forming -a short bend and then stretching out into a straight -reach of several miles.</p> - -<p>On the point of land thus projecting into the -bend of the river, six redoubts were bristling -with cannon. They were located in the form -of an amphitheatre, beginning at the lowest ground -and extending to the highest summits. As the -river here is surrounded by mountains, the construction -was planned so that one redoubt commanded -the next lower and also the river both -up and down stream. A chain was stretched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -across the channel to stop ships of war. Two -lofty heights opposite West Point protected the -eastern bank with frowning cannon that overlooked -the whole valley. One hundred and fifty cannon -were counted by Barclugh in these strongholds, -and a goodly part of them were the spoils of the -American victory over Burgoyne.</p> - -<p>“Was he to succeed in his plans to cause the -downfall of such a military position?” recurred -to his mind as he sought his horse and nervously -turned his steps to the highway. There were -now only fifty miles of a journey to King’s Bridge, -the first British outpost.</p> - -<p>His plans seemed to be working admirably, -and he was thanking his luck that he had travelled -thus far and no mishaps to block his game had -occurred. As his horse galloped nearer the British -position his hopes mounted higher, and he saw -visions of the future, where he would be emulated -for his part in the subjugation of the rebellious -Colonists. Surely they would be better off under -the protection of the powerful mother country -than to pursue the mad career of independence. -His reverie was suddenly brought to a termination -when he came to a fork in the road where the -question as to the wisest course to follow had to -be determined.</p> - -<p>The roads fork below West Point, and form<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> -two parallel routes to New York,—one following -close to the Hudson, and the other, five miles -back, taking the same direction. Barclugh had -to rely on his chart and on his own judgment,—he -thought the back road would be less frequented -and consequently more to his liking,—so he chose -the back road.</p> - -<p>Everything went along serenely this day with -Barclugh. He passed the last American outpost -by simply presenting his passport from Colonel -Hamilton and entered the neutral territory infested -by roving bands of “cow-boys,” and “skinners,” -as they were termed.</p> - -<p>Arriving at the Croton River near sundown, -Barclugh stopped at an inn kept by a Connecticut -dame, whose husband, it was learned afterward, -had gone to war to escape death at home from -the length of his wife’s tongue.</p> - -<p>When Barclugh arrived in sight of the inn he -had visions of a square meal; for his ride since -sunrise had aroused the demands of nature. -But as he dismounted, somewhat of a surprise -awaited him at the doorsteps in the person of a -smallish woman, having a weazened face, a short, -whittled-off nose, little, steel-blue eyes and a large -mouth. The lips were thin, colorless and compressed -in such a manner that no man dared -to dispute her ability to bear down and insist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> -upon her own, sweet way.</p> - -<p>Without any preliminaries the woman commenced -at Barclugh as soon as she saw him -approach:</p> - -<p>“I don’t b’leeve I can care for any strangers. -Are you from the eastward? All my rooms are -full. If I keep you at all I shall have to give up -my own bed. Dunno what to do. Have you -ready money or orders? If you have ready -money I might take you, but I would have to -charge you more. Are you a stranger in these -parts? The next inn? Oh, that is thirteen miles -beyond. You couldn’t reach it to-night. If you -did, you would not like it anyway. The people -there haven’t any family tree. Have I anything -to eat? Oh, yes, but I wasn’t brought up to do -this kind of work. Since Joshua went to the -war I have had to wash the dishes and I am -spoiling my hands. You are from Paris, eh? -I always did like to entertain real gentlemen. -I like Frenchmen, too; they are so polite—I -suppose you are hungry. It’s La Fitte? Why -that’s real aristocratic. My maiden name was -Hopper. I was born in Haddam, old Haddam -in Connecticut. My father was selectman in -that town for forty years, and he was deacon -nigh on to the same. ’Pears to me I used to know -some French people. Yes, their name was,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> -lemme see—oh, yes, they could not have been -any kin of yours. Their name was La,—La -Porte. If I had only known that I was going to -have a real gentleman to-night from Paris, I -might had a nice chicken and some ham and -eggs.—You are a financier, eh? Oh, that’s -real nice. I s’pose you’re married? No? Well, -how delighted I am that you have come this way; -come right in. You know I haven’t heard from -Joshua for nigh on to two years—the poor man -may be dead. Have I any children? Oh, no, -Joshua and I always thought we ought to have -had one and we were going to call him little -Eli,” was the introduction Barclugh had to the -Red Squirrel Inn presided over by Mrs. Charity -Puffer.</p> - -<p>Being put on his guard by the first onslaught, -but concluding that she was harmless, Barclugh -determined to learn more of the American phenomenon -before his departure.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Puffer led her guest to the sitting-room, -flew up stairs, told her cook that a gentleman of -quality was there for supper, put on a clean dress, -spread a clean table-cloth, flew out to have a -chicken killed, brought out a couple of pieces -of silver that used to be in Deacon Hopper’s -family and then came in and sat down before her -guest.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>Every moment of talk that was wasted in getting -supper ready seemed an irretrievable loss to her -existence,—especially when she had some one -on whom to ply her vocation.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think that I would make a smart -wife for a nice rich man?” she began again. -“This life in the country nearly kills me. You -know I never had to live this way before I married -Mr. Puffer. He brought me out here and I -have had to work my fingernails off. Don’t -you see how poor I am? I was a beautiful -young woman and he couldn’t furnish me any -servants. I worked and worked, for I was so -industrious. What was he doing all this time? -Poor man, he was laid up with a disorder like a -fever, and I had to nurse him and care for him. -Then he got discouraged. Well, I couldn’t -teach him anything. He was so obstinate.—He -wouldn’t dress himself up like I wanted and -I had the hardest time to get him to take me -to meeting.—He didn’t want to wear gloves, -so I used to say to him: ‘Father, you must try -and look nice,’ and he would say: ‘Jest so, -Charity.’ He would hold his hands and arms -straight down by his sides and his fingers out -stiff when I put gloves on him. Well, I used to -get so provoked, because he knew better than -that. When I used to say: ‘Father, you must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> -let your hands hang kind o’ natural,’ he would -say: ‘Jest so, Charity.’ Well, I want to tell -you, when the war broke out I just made up my -mind that father had to go to war or I would go -myself. So he went one day, when I hit him -with the boot-jack, and I haven’t seen him since.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, supper will be ready in a very short -time. It takes so long for supper to cook when -the fire don’t burn. Did I ever have any beaux? -Yes, I was forgetting to tell you about a beau -I once had, when I was a gay and young woman. -His name was Nehemiah, and he used to come -around before I knew Joshua. Well, Nehemiah -came one evening to see me and I was not in good -humor at all. After the old folks had left us to -spark a little, I moved over to one end of the -settle, and when Nehemiah moved toward me, -I sat up as stiff as a stake and I turned my back -on him and never spoke once to him that whole -evening. Well, at last when I wouldn’t speak -or stir, he got skeered and I haven’t seen his -face from that day to this. Well, I must tell -you, Mr. La,—LaFeet, I don’t like men anyway.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I perceive you don’t, nor anything -to eat either,” chuckled Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, you see it is such a pleasure for -me to converse with a gentleman that understands -my better qualities and can appreciate the fact<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> -that he comes into the environment of a refined -and well-bred lady. You know that there are -so many inn-keepers who are vulgar. They -haven’t any china that has been in the family -for two generations,—no plate, nor manners. -My sakes! I have been forgetting all about -supper with my stories,—”</p> - -<p>“About yourself,” interjected Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Jest so, Mr. Feet. I’ll go out and see if -Betty has the supper on the table.”</p> - -<p>As soon as Mrs. Puffer disappeared, Barclugh -drew a long breath and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Whew! whew! I’ll have a time to get something -to eat here!”</p> - -<p>“Why! what do you think, Mr. Feet? Supper -has been ready a long time. My Betty can cook -a chicken, boil a ham and make tea quicker -than anybody I ever knew. Come right along -this way.</p> - -<p>“I’ll sit down with you and I know you will -enjoy your supper. Will you be seated right -there? Here is some chicken. I never eat any -meat for supper, myself, before going to bed. -I drink my cup of tea. Oh, can’t you cut the -chicken? Oh, that’s too bad. Just sharpen -the knife a little. That’s it. Just put a little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> -muscle into it.—Well, I declare, Betty just half -boiled that chicken. If you can wait a little -I shall take it out and boil it a little more.”</p> - -<p>“No, thank you, Mrs. Puffer,” said Barclugh, -as he sat down out of breath, after he had stood -up to carve the fowl.</p> - -<p>“Here’s some bread and butter, Mr. Feet. I -do enjoy Betty’s bread and butter. It’s about -all I care to take for my supper.”</p> - -<p>“Madam, is that some ham, on the other -side of the table?” queried Barclugh, as he saw -that he would have to take matters into his own -hands, if he were to have any supper.</p> - -<p>For the first time, Mrs. Puffer looked embarrassed, -as she replied:</p> - -<p>“Yes, that is one of those celebrated hams -that are cured in Connecticut. It came from -old Haddam, and it is well seasoned. Yes, my -father used to cure those hams fifty years ago.”</p> - -<p>“Not that one, I hope, Mrs. Puffer?” helplessly -queried Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, not that one, Mr. Feet, but he used -to cure them just like that.—Will you have some -more tea? There’s plenty of tea. Oh, yes, -I knew you would. Just one drop of milk and -I wonder if Betty put on enough sugar? Well, -you can excuse the sugar this time. There, I -told Betty to cook you some eggs, but she has -forgotten. I know that you wouldn’t care for -any ham if you didn’t have eggs to eat with it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> -You will have some more bread and butter, I -know you will.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam, if you please, I will take some -of that ham also, and make myself a sandwich,” -insisted Barclugh, for matters were desperate -for his stomach’s sake.</p> - -<p>“Very well, Mr. Feet. I will take it over to -the sideboard, and prepare you one, myself,” -was the offer of Mrs. Puffer, expecting her guest -to say: “No, thank you, it will be too much -bother.”</p> - -<p>But not that way for Barclugh. He arose -from the table and said:</p> - -<p>“Allow me to assist you. I will take it over -to the sideboard for you,” wishing to be agreeable.</p> - -<p>“No! No! you mustn’t do that! I couldn’t -allow you! I will do that myself,” interposed -Mrs. Puffer, as she jumped up hastily and grabbed -the platter to take the ham off the table, when the -so-called ham rolled to the floor and bounced up -like a rubber ball, for it was as hollow as a fiddle, -and made of wood.</p> - -<p>Barclugh simply sat back and laughed till he -was tired out.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Puffer picked up the wayward morsel -and placed it on the sideboard.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_222fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">Barclugh simply sat back and laughed till he was tired out.</p> - -<p>She sat down as coolly as though she had used -the ham before, and broke the silence by saying:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>“Mr. La Fitte, you know how it is when you -have to trust to servants. I have that dish of -ham for an ornament on the sideboard, but Betty -had to place it on the table this evening. That -is just like those girls. They do not know better.”</p> - - - -<p>There was nothing for Barclugh to do now -but to eat bread and butter, and fill up on tea and -talk.</p> - -<p>When a man is disappointed in his meal he -begins to get ugly. So Barclugh arose from the -table, went into the sitting-room and demanded -his bill and declared that he would have to leave -for the next stopping-place.</p> - -<p>But Mrs. Puffer objected, by saying:</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, Mr. La Fitte, you know that these -roads are infested with ‘cow-boys’ and ‘skinners,’ -and you may be captured and robbed.”</p> - -<p>“Which party is it that you belong to, Mrs. -Puffer?” asked Barclugh. “I should think that -you belonged to the latter.”</p> - -<p>From without the house loud shouts of “Hello!” -“Hello!” were heard on the road.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Puffer turned to Barclugh exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“Some of those rascals are there now. You -better hide yourself somewhere.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind, madam,” replied Barclugh, -and handing over a sovereign to pay his fare, -continued, “I can take care of myself.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>At that instant a burly fellow in the uniform -of a Continental walked in.</p> - -<p>“Any strangers here to-night, Mrs. Puffer?” -came in heavy tones from the soldier.</p> - -<p>“There’s one gentleman here, Mr. La Fitte. -I believe he can give a good account of himself,” -replied the landlady.</p> - -<p>“What’s your business here, Mr. La Fitte? -Where are you going?” demanded the soldier.</p> - -<p>“Here’s my passport, sir,” was the reply, and -Barclugh handed out the Colonel’s document.</p> - -<p>“You’re the sort of a party we want!” remarked -the fellow, as he went to the door and whistled, -meanwhile holding his pistol ready and eying -Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Four of his companions came into the room, -and at once the spokesman ordered:</p> - -<p>“Fasten his arms, men. He’s a spy.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh submitted while wondering why his -passport was not sufficient.</p> - -<p>After the squad had searched Barclugh and -disarmed him, they marched him out and ordered -him to mount his horse and ride between them.</p> - -<p>However, when the troopers started off their -course led them to the southward. They acted -queerly to Barclugh. They crossed the Croton -at Pine Bridge and went toward the Hudson. -In any event he was all right unless the scamps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -were bent on robbery. However, he did not -lose his nerve. Finally, after an hour’s ride and -silence, the prisoner ventured this question:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I am a prisoner in the hands -of which party?”</p> - -<p>“You are a prisoner of His Majesty King -George III. No talking, sir, we are on dangerous -ground.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh’s spirits at once mounted high. As -soon as he reached a British post, he would -despatch a cipher message to General Clinton -in New York and he knew that at once he would -be escorted to secret quarters in the town.</p> - -<p>To understand Barclugh’s perilous position -in the country through which he was now passing, -a few facts concerning the conditions existing -in the spring of 1780 must be stated.</p> - -<p>From the upper part of Manhattan Island or -King’s Bridge to the Croton River was neutral -ground, during the British occupancy of New -York. The British sent out reconnoitering -parties toward the American lines and the Americans -would reconnoitre toward the British. Independent -bands of Tories called “cow-boys” -raided into this territory, and foraged upon the -inhabitants who did not sign allegiance to the -King. Then the American bands called “skinners” -raided upon the loyalists. The real warfare<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> -of these parts consisted in these lawless bands -watching each other when on raids and if the -“cow-boys” had a good drove of animals, the -“skinners” attempted to disperse the band and -appropriate the spoils. The whole of the lower -part of Westchester County was thus kept in -distress during nearly all of the Revolutionary -War by the ravages of these bands.</p> - -<p>On the night in question, when Barclugh was -a prisoner in the hands of his friends, the party -was ascending a steep hill in silence and surrounded -by dense forest, when suddenly out of the night -air and darkness rang a voice within a hundred -feet:</p> - -<p>“Surrender, you devils!” and the clicking of a -dozen flintlocks sounded in quick succession.</p> - -<p>At the sound of such a number of clicks, the -five British whirled on their horses and dashed -down the hill and Barclugh did as the rest, but -he was in the rear since he did not understand -their tactics of retreat.</p> - -<p>A volley followed the foe, retreating in the dark. -Barclugh’s horse was shot, and threw his rider -headlong with such violence that he was stunned -and rendered unconscious. One of the fleeing -British dropped his flintlock in the fracas.</p> - -<p>The attacking party chased the fleeing British, -yelling and exchanging pistol shots. They returned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> -when sure that the “cow-boys” were out -of harm’s way and picked up the unconscious -form of Barclugh. He was still unconscious -when placed against a tree next to the roadside.</p> - -<p>After being administered a good drink of rum, -Barclugh opened his eyes and asked:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, where am I?”</p> - -<p>“You are a prisoner,” replied the leader.</p> - -<p>“I was a prisoner,” insisted Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“You are still one,” came the sharp reply.</p> - -<p>A fire had been lighted by this time and all -were warming their fingers in the chilly air of -the May night.</p> - -<p>Barclugh gazed around and noticed that all -wore the red coats of the British. He realized -that he might better be good-natured over his -captivity. He turned to his captors, with the -remark:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I have been a prisoner twice -since sundown,—once the prisoner of King George -by a party in Continental uniform, and now a -prisoner a second time by a party of redcoats. -Please inform me whose prisoner I may be now.”</p> - -<p>“Where did they git you?” asked the leader. -“Did they git you in that Red Squirrel Inn?” -at which the whole party laughed.</p> - -<p>“I b’leeve he tried to git a piece of that wooden -ham,” sung out one of the party, and there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> -another burst of laughter.</p> - -<p>“Could you cut that chicken?” repeated another.</p> - -<p>“Well, gentlemen, I gave up the chicken as -a bad job, broke the ham, paid Mrs. Puffer a -sovereign and got no change, being glad to escape -alive; for she told me she had hit Joshua with a -boot-jack,” at which recital the whole party -roared and some of the younger fellows rolled -on the ground in delight.</p> - -<p>“Did she tell you how beautiful she used to be -and how she froze out Nehemiah?” was the -next question that gave them all a chance to laugh -again.</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, and she asked me if I ‘didn’t -think she would make a smart wife for a nice -rich man?’ but I didn’t get a chance for a word -in edgewise for an answer,” related Barclugh -to the intense delight of the whole party.</p> - -<p>“Wal, stranger, I guess you are a purty good -fellow. Where did you come from and where -are you going?” asked the leader of Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“I came from the headquarters of General -Washington this morning and gave my passport -to those scamps and now they have carried it off.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, if you are able to travel we will take -you to General Washington’s headquarters right -away; for you are a prisoner of the Westchester -Independents, and General Washington is at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> -Verplancks Point to-night.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh was not much the worse for his mishap, -except that his shoulder was strained and he was -bruised on the side of his face where he had slid -down the hill.</p> - -<p>He procured a new horse, proceeded to headquarters -under the escort of two troopers, and -being recognized by Colonel Hamilton, proceeded -on his journey next morning.</p> - -<p>He rode through the American lines by way -of Tarrytown and was not molested by either party -until he surrendered himself to the sentinel -of King George at King’s Bridge.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Barclugh arrived at King’s Bridge, the -time was midnight, and as he was muffled and -his name was assumed he had little risk of meeting -any person who would suspect his business.</p> - -<p>He informed the sentinel that he must see the -officer of the guard at once.</p> - -<p>Upon the officer coming to the guard house, -Barclugh requested that a note be sent without -delay to General Clinton, the British Commander, -as information of the first importance must be -sent to headquarters.</p> - -<p>So the officer despatched a horseman to the -Beekman House at full speed with the following -note:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“King’s Bridge, May 28, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Sir: I have the honor to announce my arrival -at King’s Bridge. I must be conducted to a -safe retreat at once. My plans have carried -but I am very much battered by travel and narrow -escapes.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) Pierre La Fitte.</p> - -<p>“To General Clinton,<br /> -<span class="gap">“Commander of H. M. Forces in America.</span><br /> -<span class="gap2">“Beekman House.”</span></p></blockquote> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>Within three hours Major Andre arrived alone -with an extra horse at Fort Knypthausen, the -defense at King’s Bridge, and after a few subdued -words with the officer of the guard, Barclugh -was hurried to a horse. His former animal was -turned loose on the road to find its way back -to Verplancks Point. Thus no trace of Barclugh -could be followed on account of the horse that he -had ridden.</p> - -<p>Not a word was spoken by Andre to Barclugh -in the guard house. Andre ordered the officer -to release the stranger. The officer told Barclugh -that he was to leave the guard house and follow -Major Andre until the horses were found, and -to not speak until well out of hearing.</p> - -<p>After Andre had travelled a few hundred yards -away from Fort Knypthausen, Major Andre -grasped Barclugh by the hand and said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, I am glad to see you. How -are you?”</p> - -<p>“I am nearly dead, Major Andre,” replied -Barclugh, “I have been captured and made -prisoner three times. I was fired on last night -and my horse was killed. But after a hard -journey, I am here with my plans working.</p> - -<p>“Arnold is committed to treason. I have -the plans and strength of West Point, and a great -amount of information for the Commissioners.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>“Grand! Magnificent!!” exclaimed Andre. -“We need a stroke like this to arouse the nation, -and counteract the French coalition with America. -I am devoted to your plan. I believe patents -of nobility and grants of land are the only means -that will subdue the Americans. Of course, -results must first be brought about by the judicious -use of gold to gain the leaders.</p> - -<p>“However, Mr. Barclugh,” continued Andre -gaily. “How is my friend, Mrs. Arnold? We -used to have such gay times while in Philadelphia. -Does she not sympathize with our social life? -I have heard that after our evacuation of Philadelphia, -the event was celebrated by a grand ball -given by the Whig element, but, when it came -to a list of those who should be invited, enough -belles could not be found unless the Tories were -included. So the whole list of ladies that attended -our grand heraldic pageant, the Mischianza, -had to be invited to be present to have a success. -The Shippens, the Chews, the Bonds, the Redmans, -the Willings and the whole list of our friends were -there. Any of the ladies of the first circles who -will not stand for the principles of aristocracy -is a <i>rara avis</i>.”</p> - -<p>“But you forget, Major Andre,” argued Barclugh, -“that when you do find such a lady, you -will have a gem of the finest brilliancy. Such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> -a one will be a Whig out of principle, whereas -a woman becomes a Tory out of sentiment,” -as he recalled the argument between Mollie -Greydon and Mrs. Arnold at the dinner party -at Robert FitzMaurice’s.</p> - -<p>Andre’s quarters were reached after the exchange -of many pleasantries, and the soldier showed -the financier a room and bed and gave the key -to Barclugh to guard himself against any intrusion. -Barclugh was now safely quartered where he -could carry out his business with the utmost -secrecy.</p> - -<p>The remainder of that night and the next -day were spent in bed by Barclugh. He was -suffering severely from the fall off of his horse, -the night before his arrival.</p> - -<p>Major Andre had meals brought to his own -room, and then quietly carried the meals to Barclugh -himself.</p> - -<p>After two days and two nights of rest and -nursing and a supply of clean linen, Barclugh -was sufficiently recovered to be escorted, in the -dead of the night,—when nothing was astir in -the old Dutch town but the solitary sentinel—to -the Beekman mansion, the present location -of 52nd Street and Broadway. Here were the -quarters of General Clinton.</p> - -<p>Major Andre had his permanent quarters at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> -No. 1 Broadway, and when he and Barclugh -walked out of the rear of these quarters a chaise -and postillion were ready for the financier and -his escort to be driven in haste to General Clinton.</p> - -<p>Sir Henry Clinton, the Commander of the -British forces in North America, spent much of -his time at his country house, the former mansion -of Dr. Beekman, and on the night in question -he was anxiously waiting to greet Roderick -Barclugh.</p> - -<p>His career had been unfruitful of results in -America thus far, as he had failed to aid Burgoyne, -and, after evacuating Philadelphia, and retreating -by land to New York, had suffered disaster at -Monmouth; he had failed in his attack on Fort -Moultrie, and now his whole career was centered -upon the capture of West Point by intrigue.</p> - -<p>Seated in one of the upper chambers of the -Beekman house were Sir Henry Clinton, the -Commander, Lord Carlisle and William Eden, -M. P., Commissioners of the British government -to America.</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle was the life-long friend of George -Selwyn,—the wag of English society and court -circles in London at this time. William Eden, -a mere figure-head and courtier, was the intimate -friend and political supporter of both Carlisle -and Selwyn. Charles Fox was the brains and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> -political force for this entire coterie, so that the -presence of Carlisle in America on his mission -is obvious, since Fox was irretrievably in debt -to Carlisle and Selwyn. Furthermore, Fox had -been the associate of Carlisle at Eton and they -had grown up to be inseparable cronies; both were -involved in all the noted gambling escapades at -Brooks’ and Almack’s for the previous ten years.</p> - -<p>Besides the Commander and the two Commissioners, -the room contained a large round table -and a sideboard well supplied with Madeira -and claret. This chamber was used for councils -of war by General Clinton. A map of the thirteen -Colonies and the seaboard was lying carelessly -on the table. Carlisle and Clinton were discussing -the losses at the gaming table the night before -and Eden was snuggling up to a newly-opened -bottle of Madeira, while seated in a large arm-chair, -enjoying a pipe of tobacco.</p> - -<p>Barclugh entered the room, following Major -Andre, and was received by the three very, very -cordially, but with much formality, as they had -met on serious business.</p> - -<p>Here were five men authorized to treat with -the Colonists in any manner that would win -them back to the allegiance of the King. They -could wage war, confiscate property, starve prisoners, -offer rewards for treason, offer to concede<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> -every demand of the Colonies for their political -welfare except independence. The utmost desire -of the Commissioners was to effect some compromise -with the leaders of the revolution and preserve -allegiance to the mother country.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh was a very important personage -in this council. He had done important -service in Paris for the financial interests of the -English government, and was now working out -plans to stop the war for the benefit of England’s -Exchequer, so that, whatever he said had much -weight.</p> - -<p>They all listened most intently to the recital -of his advent into Philadelphia’s commercial -circles,—because he had much capital at his -command. How he became acquainted with -the weakness of Arnold, through the oyster -vender, Sven Svenson, and how he interested -Arnold in privateering enterprises, all was heard -with much interest. Then the final surrender -of Arnold to the proposition of treason, for twenty -thousand pounds sterling and a brigadier’s -commission in the British army, was received with -profound satisfaction.</p> - -<p>When Barclugh told of his journey, his being -captured three times and his interview with -Washington, they listened with wonder; but when -he told of the experience with the Connecticut<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> -dame at the Red Squirrel Inn and the wooden -ham, the whole party laughed long and heartily.</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of the narrative, Barclugh -turned to General Clinton and said brusquely:</p> - -<p>“General Clinton, Arnold has been paid part -of his price, and I shall turn the military end -of the business over to you. He will get his -assignment to West Point and you must carry -out the details of the plans already entered into. -He will correspond with you under an assumed -name, and his language will have the <i>entente</i> -of carrying out some large commercial transactions.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, the conception and execution -of your plans have been magnificent, and I shall -entrust the fulfilment of them to my able, young -adjutant, Major Andre,” graciously assented -General Clinton, as he turned with beaming -eyes and countenance to his staff officer.</p> - -<p>“But, gentlemen,” continued Barclugh, “my -task at Philadelphia is but commenced. My -desires are to finish my business here as soon as -possible and return to start my next enterprise. -I have the people and plans engaged to start -a bank in this country. It is to be known as the -Bank of North America. The model is to be -our Bank of England, and we shall have the -government of this country so closely allied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> -with this institution that only safe measures of -legislation will be allowed.</p> - -<p>“Our great obstacle in overcoming the rebellion -in our Colonies is the lack of any centralizing -power to draw all the men of substance into one -party and the poor devils into another. The -reason is that there are no organizations to control -the accumulation of property.</p> - -<p>“Life and industry create property, and money -has been sanctioned by custom to represent -property; but an artificial system can be established -to control money; therefore, whoever controls -the money of a nation controls its life and industry.</p> - -<p>“Commissary receipts answer as well for money -now as gold, but if we have a corporation of leading -men of substance who lose their individual -interests in the policy of the bank, why, we can -issue a dictum that gold only will be received -as money; then the vital interests of thousands -at once are merged into the centralized body.</p> - -<p>“Let me establish a bank in Philadelphia, -and I shall lay the foundations of a rich man’s -party that will bring the Colonists to the institutions -of the mother country more effectually than -armies or navies ever can.</p> - -<p>“If the armies will conquer and hold the valley -of the Hudson, and if the military will conquer -and hold the southern provinces, the power of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> -money will take Philadelphia with no loss of life. -Then the Americans will tire of the war and be -glad to surrender to the fair offers of His Majesty’s -Commissioners.”</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle rubbed his hands with an excited -air of satisfaction and said enthusiastically:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, you have outlined the whole -matter. Nothing more is necessary. Eden and -I are mere figureheads here, waiting for a decisive -blow, so that we can ply our vocation.</p> - -<p>“The army must act now on your initiative -and the results are sure to be forthcoming,” -continued Carlisle.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” proposed Lord Carlisle, as he -arose with his glass partly filled with Madeira, -“success to Mr. Barclugh and his enterprise.”</p> - -<p>They all drank their Madeira, standing, in -honor of Barclugh.</p> - -<p>The financier arose after the compliment paid -to him and said modestly:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I thank you for your expression of -regard.” Then, raising his glass he continued: -“My best wishes for a speedy conclusion of war -between Great Britain and her Colonies on constitutional -grounds.”</p> - -<p>The sentiment was received heartily by the -others, and with glasses raised high all drank -deeply as only Englishmen can drink,—with no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> -“heel-taps.”</p> - -<p>The conference being over, General Clinton -took Barclugh by the arm and escorted him to -another room for his arrangements to return to -Philadelphia. The other three remained in the -council chamber, to see that King George, the -aristocracy and British sordidness, were well -remembered with innumerable glasses of Madeira.</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle and William Eden were ordinary -representatives of English hangers-on to royalty’s -apron strings. Both were fat and lymphatic. No -enterprise thrilled their souls. They were more -than pleased to accept the established order of -their condition so long as the government was -good,—to them and theirs. They were as pliable -as putty in the hands of the controlling influence -of the monarchy. They wanted a fat living -out of government with little service in return.</p> - -<p>William Eden had his hobby, especially when -a chance to tell it over his Madeira offered. -Filling his glass, and turning to Carlisle, he -stupidly rehearsed his theories:</p> - -<p>“My Lord, you know I have very decided -policy in regard to subduing the King’s enemies. -(By Jove, that’s good Madeira.)</p> - -<p>“To make it the interest of Congress to close -with us (the King’s Commissioners) will be of the -first consequence. (How’s that, Andre?)</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>“Well, from the many conversations which I have -held with the men of substance here in New York -and from the nature of things, you know that -we ought to propose a scheme of government -(My Lord, a government as is a government), -by a Parliament in the Colonies, composed of -an order of nobles or patricians,—and a lower -house of delegates from the different Colonial -assemblies,—to be given to the provinces upon -their return to allegiance to our King.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it, that’s it, Eden, allegiance is what we -want,” interjected Carlisle, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>Another glass of Madeira and Eden laboriously -gathered up his avoirdupois and continued:</p> - -<p>“That form of government would have a general -influence upon the minds of those who now -possess authority in America, as their present -precarious power would be by this means secured -to themselves and handed down to their descendants.”</p> - -<p>“You have the idea all right, Mr. Eden,” said -Carlisle, as he slyly winked at Andre, “but we -must have some others to listen to us than these -bottles of Madeira and Major Andre.</p> - -<p>“Now, Eden,” continued Carlisle, “let’s have -one glass to the words of Dr. Johnson:</p> - -<p>“‘That patriotism is the first business of scoundrels.’”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>After this last appeal to Bacchus for inspiration, -these two pillars of British statesmanship found -that they needed the assistance of Major Andre -to help them to their bed-chambers.</p> - -<p>While the commissioners were exchanging -empty platitudes, and drinking the wine furnished -by the Crown, the real business of the evening -was being concluded between General Clinton -and Barclugh. As soon as General Clinton had -led the way to an airy bed-chamber Barclugh -began to unfold his plans:</p> - -<p>“General Clinton, I must not delay here one -minute longer than necessary, for Washington -has this town filled with spies, and my detection -here, at this house, means disaster.”</p> - -<p>“How do you propose to return to Philadelphia?” -asked General Clinton.</p> - -<p>“My plan,” replied Barclugh concisely, “is -to return as far as possible by water. I wish -that you could put me aboard one of your small -armed cruisers and send me down into one of -those numerous inlets that are opposite Philadelphia -on the Jersey coast. I can be furnished a -small boat, and in case of capture I can pretend to -have escaped from an English vessel. In any -event I shall be taken to Philadelphia and turned -over to Arnold.”</p> - -<p>“That’s an excellent plan, Barclugh, and I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> -have just the man to perform the task,” said -Clinton, “Captain Sutherland of the Sloop Albatross. -I shall send for him at once, and -have you secreted on board to-night, and then -you can rest from your former journey. I -know that Washington’s spies are among us, and -that you must be spirited away or you will surely -be traced to us.”</p> - -<p>While the two were waiting for Captain Sutherland, -for whom an order had been despatched -to report at the Beekman house for duty orders, -Barclugh went over the details for the fruition -of Arnold’s plot. The correspondence was to -be conducted between Barclugh and Major -Andre. Barclugh would sign as Gustavus; Andre -would reply as John Anderson. Barclugh would -turn over his letters to Arnold so that no traces -could be found for detection. As Barclugh was -known among his commercial associates to be -in touch with merchants in New York, he could -correspond with little suspicion.</p> - -<p>When Captain Sutherland was announced in -the office below, General Clinton brightened up -and arose as he addressed his associate:</p> - -<p>“Well, well, Mr. Barclugh, have you all of -your effects ready to depart? I dislike to have -you leave us so informally, but duty calls and -there we are.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>“Oh, I’m ever ready,” was Barclugh’s prompt -reply. “My whole wardrobe and effects are on -my person.”</p> - -<p>Captain Sutherland was ordered to proceed -down the coast of Jersey, and land his passenger -on the Jersey coast opposite Philadelphia, but -in no case to sacrifice the safety of the passenger. -Obey the passenger as to the place and manner -of landing, and in no case to let his presence -on the ship be known. Not even Captain Sutherland -could be informed as to the business or name -of Barclugh; he was simply introduced as Mr. -Gustavus.</p> - -<p>The Captain of the Albatross and Barclugh -mounted their horses and proceeded to Paules’ -Hook landing in the early hours of the morning.</p> - -<p>When Barclugh and his companion had reached -the landing and were walking briskly to the ship’s -boat, out of the darkness came the figure of a -female, who walked up to the two and touched -Barclugh on the arm.</p> - -<p>Barclugh stopped in amazement and looked -upon the creature inquiringly, and asked:</p> - -<p>“My good woman, what can I do for you?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing, sir,” sweetly replied the mysterious -woman, “I was looking for my brother who -was coming down to the ferry, and I thought -that you were he,” she continued in the voice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> -of a well-trained Indian girl.</p> - -<p>Barclugh was in a hurry to embark and did -not make any note of the incident, for he could -not clearly see the face of his questioner in the -darkness. He passed on and boarded the Albatross, -as he thought to himself, to perfect his -security.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">“Say, Bill,</span> if this brig gets into blue water -without a tussle I miss my reckonin’,” dryly -remarked one of the old sea-dogs to his companion, -as the two leaned on the ship’s rail next to the -cat-head. “The coast is swarming these days -with lime-juicers and if we fall into their net, we’d -wish to have our grog sent down to Davy Jones’ -locker, where we’ll all be if Sammy Risk has a -thing to do with it. He’d blow us all up before -he’d strike.”</p> - -<p>“Look a’ here, Hank, you old growler, if Sammy -Risk can’t show as clear a pair of heels to them -Britishers as ever vanished out of a spying-glass,” -replied old Bill Weathergage, “then I’ll take all -the jobs of slushin’ and swabbin’ that the boys -ought’er do for a for’night on the cruise.”</p> - -<p>“Mind what ye’re sayin’, Bill.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it, you old figger-head.”</p> - -<p>The privateersmen were discussing probabilities -as the Holker lay in the stream below Philadelphia -awaiting Captain Risk to fill out his complement -of sixty-five men. Roderick Barclugh had started -on his journey and the flour was all on board. -The Holker stood up like a church steeple with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> -her cargo stowed away in her hold and hatches -all battened down, waiting for a passage outside -the capes. Her armament was three short six-pounders -forward, and three long nine-pounders -aft, being the batteries on port and starboard; -a long twelve-pounder bow chaser and a long -eighteen-pound quarter-deck stern chaser. A -heavy eighteen-pound swivel amidships completed -the ship’s metal.</p> - -<p>She was equal to many of the King’s cruisers -in armament, and excelled two-thirds of them in -sailing qualities.</p> - -<p>Word came up the river that a brace of the -King’s cruisers were standing off Cape May, -ready to pounce upon any Yankee that chanced -to run the blockade.</p> - -<p>The best chance was for Captain Risk to run -the gauntlet in the dark, so that the tenth day -after Barclugh had left Philadelphia, he quietly -weighed anchor and slipped past the forts and -stood off into the roadstead, waiting for a chance -to slip out.</p> - -<p>The night came on dark and boisterous, so -that word was passed to get under weigh, as the -weather looked nasty from the sou’-sou’east, and -as the enemy would have to stand off the coast -for sea-room, Captain Risk took advantage of -the opportunity to make blue water.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>Setting his foresail, main and fore-topsail, -and reefing down for a scud up the coast, Captain -Risk jammed into the wind from the cover of -the river and made for the offing.</p> - -<p>All lights were out and the binnacle was hooded. -A double watch was called on deck and the -Holker tacked into the teeth of the gale until -the capes were fully two hours astern. The wind -was moderating when orders came to make her -course nor’east by north. The yards were braced -in, and as the wind now came from abaft the beam, -she was bounding before the gale and scudding -from wave to wave.</p> - -<p>The moon was two hours high, and was peering -through rifts in the clouds. The sea was settling -to a long swell. Every one on deck began to -feel that no danger was near, when the lookout sang -sharply:</p> - -<p>“Sail, ho.”</p> - -<p>“Where away?” asked Captain Risk, as he -stood on the port quarter, glass in one hand, and -the other on the main shrouds.</p> - -<p>“Three miles on the lee bow. He is bearing -down on the port tack, sir,” returned the man -aloft.</p> - -<p>“That’s well. All hands!” commanded Captain -Risk, as he turned to his lieutenant, Mr. Ripley, -saying with assurance:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>“We have the weather and can keep him -guessing.”</p> - -<p>All hands were called and sent to quarters -and both broadsides were loaded with grape and -round shot for close action.</p> - -<p>When the enemy bore down within easy hailing -distance, he asked through his trumpet:</p> - -<p>“What ship is that and where away?”</p> - -<p>“This is the Privateer Holker, sir,” replied -Captain Risk.</p> - -<p>“You better haul down those colors, or I’ll -blow you to smithereens,” returned the man-o-war’s -man.</p> - -<p>“Not yet, my hearty. Fire away, Flannagan,” -shouted Captain Risk to the Englishman.</p> - -<p>“Now then, let them have it, my lads!” commanded -the privateersman sharply.</p> - -<p>The bright moonlight afforded good aim and -the execution of the broadside spread consternation -among the enemy and cut into his foreshrouds.</p> - -<p>The enemy’s broadside flew high, and cut into -the Holker’s rigging as the ship rolled, with no -serious damage.</p> - -<p>The Holker’s crew now braced in their yards -and shot under the stern of the enemy, who had -to come about on the starboard tack to ease -his injured shrouds.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>Captain Risk now had the Englishman at his -mercy. When under full headway, he wore -ship and brought the starboard battery into -short range, thus raking the cruiser from stem -to stern.</p> - -<p>Both ships were now on the starboard tack -and the Holker in the weather position. The -Englishman came up on the port tack to cross -the Holker’s bow for a rake, but the foxy Risk -brought his ship up for the port tack, too, and -filled away so fast that the broadside went astern.</p> - -<p>The chance now came for Risk. The Englishman -would have to wear ship, to bring his starboard -broadside into action. As quick as a flash, -Risk came about on the starboard tack, passed -astern and raked the cruiser a second time from -stem to stern. The execution was so severe -that every one of the starboard main-shrouds -was carried away and the Englishman was -thrown into utter confusion on his deck.</p> - -<p>The Holker had the Englishman so that his -only chance was to wear ship, but his masts -could not stand the strain. So the privateer -came around on the port tack and came booming -alongside, within pistol range, and delivered -another broadside of grape that cut the crew -to pieces and sent a large part of them writhing -on his deck.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>But the cruiser’s crew was plucky, for now a -running fight commenced. The Englishman got -in a telling broadside, that cut the binnacle from -under Captain Risk’s feet, and killed Mr. Ripley -at his side. The privateer, on account of her -superior sailing qualities, had to tack to bear up -to her antagonist and keep from running out of -range. The fire of the cruiser was getting nervous -and irregular and the privateer delivered a -terrific broadside that drove the men that were -splicing the shrouds, under the bulwarks. As -the Holker was closing in to board under cover -of the smoke, a voice on the privateer’s foretop -sang out:</p> - -<p>“’Vast firing. She has struck.”</p> - -<p>Captain Risk ordered his second lieutenant -to board and find out her name and the damage -inflicted.</p> - -<p>The ship was the General Monk, a brig of -two hundred tons, commanded by Lieutenant -Churchill of His Majesty’s service. She carried -sixteen long nine-pounders and two long twelve-pounders -for stern and bow chasers, with a full -complement of eighty men.</p> - -<p>When the privateer’s crew boarded the General -Monk, the decks were literally strewn with dead -and wounded, and the scuppers were running -blood. The grape at short range had killed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> -fifteen and wounded twenty more, among whom -was Lieutenant Churchill. All the shrouds of -the foremast, and the head-sails were shot away. -The foremast and bowsprit were cut one-quarter -through. The halyards and standing rigging -were shot adrift, and the running-gear was cut -to pieces.</p> - -<p>The Holker had lost the first lieutenant and -six men killed, while ten were wounded, and -much injury had been done to the sails and gear. -A prize crew of fifteen were put aboard the General -Monk, and ordered back to Philadelphia, taking -the prisoners and valuable stores found aboard. -The Holker had left, forty men effective for -service, and needed her rigging overhauled before -making for the Long Island rendezvous given -by Barclugh. So Captain Risk thought best -to put into Egg Harbor for a short time to repair -his rigging and get into ship-shape for the run -over to Long Island.</p> - -<p>There seems to be a strange fatality among -ships as well as among men. In the height of -success is the period of gravest fear of the unexpected -to occur.</p> - -<p>The prize crew on the General Monk were -busy setting up and splicing rigging and fishing -the spars as the prisoners were put below when -daylight stole upon the scene. The sound of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> -the guns had borne down on the other ship of -the blockade. The crew of the Holker were -tricing up stays and shrouds in order to keep -the Holker’s sticks from rolling out of her, when -about four miles, dead astern, loomed up a heavy -frigate under a cloud of canvas, making for -the scene of action.</p> - -<p>Captain Risk had to be served now by his -wits rather than by his guns, for, if he took to -his heels, the prize would be left to the mercy -of the frigate.</p> - -<p>Risk mounted his shrouds, trumpet in hand, -and signalled his prize to run before him on a -course opposite to the Holker’s while he ordered -deliberately, in notes clear and strong:</p> - -<p>“Ready, about!</p> - -<p>“Mainsail haul!</p> - -<p>“Raise tacks and sheets!</p> - -<p>“Helm’s a-lee!</p> - -<p>“’Vast bracing!”</p> - -<p>The doughty little captain brought his ship -over on the starboard tack, and stood into the -wind to draw off the stranger and try his speed.</p> - -<p>Captain Risk now had his gear well cleared -up and the shrouds well set up to stand a run -before the ten-knot breeze.</p> - -<p>With sprightly bounds the crew of the Holker -obeyed the commands:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>“Stand by main and fore-tacks!</p> - -<p>“Let her pay off!</p> - -<p>“Man her weather braces!</p> - -<p>“Haul!”</p> - -<p>As she sheered off, the ship now staggered -before the wind sooner than the Englishman -could realize the tactics of the brig.</p> - -<p>The Holker had spirited away for half a mile -before the lumbering yards of the frigate could -be trimmed to meet the Yankee’s course.</p> - -<p>The chase was now on, for better or for worse. -Nothing less than heroic means could save the -Holker. Her main-topsail, foresail, and fore-topsail, -were all set and she was laboring hard -under her cargo of flour; yet if Captain Risk -could hold his own until he reached Egg Harbor -Inlet, he would show the frigate, Roebuck, the -most devilish piece of Yankee seamanship this -side of Davy Jones’ locker.</p> - -<p>On came the Roebuck with huge wings like -a monstrous demon, yawing wildly on each crest -from the enormous stretch of her after-canvas, -but she was surely closing the gap between the -ships. In another half-hour she would be within -short range of the Holker. A chance shot might -bring down the privateer’s topmast, and then -all would be lost.</p> - -<p>Captain Risk stood on the port quarter with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> -glass in hand, watching every rope and sail as -he turned to his men and commanded sharply:</p> - -<p>“Man that main-stay garnet, with a luff-tackle, -bullies, and overboard cargo with a will. No -time to lose, my lads.”</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir,” came from twenty throats, -as every man jumped to his station.</p> - -<p>The hatches came off in a trice, and the flour -came swinging out, two barrels at a heave.</p> - -<p>“No hell-hole of a British prison for us this -day,” came out from the heart of every privateersman -when he swung on the cargo with might -and main.</p> - -<p>A puff of smoke now appeared out of the bow -of the Roebuck, which the crew of the Holker -watched with bated breath, until the eighteen-pound -shot fell three hundred feet astern.</p> - -<p>A cheer rang from the watch on the Holker’s -deck.</p> - -<p>“Now, men, heave over the six-pounders!” -ordered the unruffled Risk. “Every inch of -free board means our bacon saved,” continued -Risk, as he stepped to the wheel and ordered -the helmsman to lighter ship.</p> - -<p>Just then another puff of white smoke curled -out of the frigate’s fore bulwarks and an eighteen-pound -shot came crushing through the captain’s -cabin, and buried itself among the flour barrels<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> -in the hold.</p> - -<p>“That is close shavin’,” said Risk dryly. “Unbend -that long tom and we’ll try that lime-juicer’s -topsail!” ordered the little captain restlessly.</p> - -<p>Six of the lads on deck swung on the watch-tackle, -and the long tom was trained astern for -Captain Risk to sight a life-saving shot at the -Roebuck’s rigging. The little privateersman took -off his coat and hat and elevated the piece for a -long shot. He took a careful squint while he -signalled with either hand to haul on the side-tackles -and when the mark was sure, he ordered:</p> - -<p>“Fire!”</p> - -<p>The gunner applied the match and the Holker -quivered as the old reliable tom dealt out its -rebuke to the Englishman. Captain Risk shaded -his eyes with both hands as he watched for the -results of his gunnery. The shot rose in parabolic -beauty of flight while instants seemed moments -to Captain Risk and his crew, but true to its -aim the eighteen-pounder cut the enemy’s fore-topsail -and yard, both of which went by the -board.</p> - -<p>“I’ll show that rapscallion that he’s not on -a pleasure cruise,” chuckled the proud Risk, -as he rubbed his little chubby hands and paced -the quarter-deck nervously. The gleam of delight -in the little skipper’s eye had no bounds, for he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -had saved, for a time at least, his heart’s desire, -the Holker, from humiliation.</p> - -<p>Now there was excitement on the deck of the -frigate. The huge hulk yawed up into the wind -as her sails came aback after the head-sail power -was cut down, but the nimble jackies soon swarmed -aloft and cleared away the wreckage, and the other -sails were trimmed for a fresh run before the -whole-sail breeze.</p> - -<p>The Holker had not yet gained security by any -means, for the captain of the Roebuck was one -of those thoroughbred English sea-dogs who had -earned his promotion from a middy’s berth to -the command of one of the fleetest ships on the -English Admiralty register. Captain Risk must -earn his safety, if he were to save his ship.</p> - -<p>Yet minutes meant precious advantage to the -Holker, and while the frigate was losing headway, -the brig’s crew was heaving cargo overboard and -the privateer was leaping on the waves like a -hound as she staggered under every stitch of -canvas that she could bear. The gain on the -enemy was perceptible as each inch of free board -gave her life. She rose on the huge waves with -more ease and labored less on each crest.</p> - -<p>The gale had begun to increase rather than -fall, so that when the frigate steadied up before -it once more she had her courses all set, her main-topsail<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> -and main-topgallant sail, and the fore-topmast -stay-sail to hold her head up. A mighty -cheer went up as the frigate leaped into the wind -again in full pursuit of the brig.</p> - -<p>“Just give us two hours more,” said Captain -Hamilton of the Roebuck to Lieutenant Nelson, -“and we will have that devilish rebel under our -lee,” as the British commander took a long look -through his glass at the brig about five miles -ahead.</p> - -<p>“That’s well, sir, if we can catch him,” replied -Lieutenant Nelson. “But he seems to be making -wonderful headway and I believe those Yankees -are charmed.”</p> - -<p>“We had one, once, point-blank under our -starboard battery on the Sir John, but the rascal -took to his heels and ran us out of sight too quickly -to tell about it. He came into the wind and shot -under our stern while we expected nothing but for -him to strike; and before we could bring our -battery to bear, we had to wear ship, so he escaped -with only a few scattering shots. Lord Ralston -cut off the grog for a fortnight to get even with -his chagrin and disappointment.”</p> - -<p>Captain Risk now had one chance to evade the -Roebuck. That was to lighter his cargo enough -to let his ship weather the bar at Egg Harbor -Inlet. The Roebuck would then be outside,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -pounding away in the deep water, waiting for -his prey to come out.</p> - -<p>Extending along the Atlantic Coast from Sandy -Hook to the Gulf of Mexico, are numerous inlets -or openings between low, sandy islands back -of which is deep water and safety; but only light-draught -vessels can enter these inlets. The ebb -and flow of the tides keep a shallow channel -open, but the heavy seas of the ocean wash the -sands into a bar and the tide is not powerful -enough to cut a very deep channel.</p> - -<p>One of these sand-bars was at the entrance of -Egg Harbor Inlet. A deep channel led from -behind the low-lying islands, until the outflowing -tide met the action of the sea-ways and there -formed an eddy that deposited the sands into -the bar, which was about one hundred feet wide, -and on each side of which was deep water. The -current was deflected to the southward, outside -the bar, so that the channel was like the letter “L,” -the bar being in the angle.</p> - -<p>When steering into the inlet the pilot must -approach for a considerable distance, parallel -to the beach and at the critical point turn sharply -to port, or else land high and dry on as ugly a -beach as ever lured a mariner.</p> - -<p>But, driven like a fox seeking cover, Captain -Risk made straight for this hole at Egg Harbor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -Inlet. The seas were going over the bar and -breaking into foam at every wave; a mile of -breakers roared on each side of the thread-like -channel from the deep water to the sandy beach -of the islands.</p> - -<p>The Roebuck was now hauling grandly into -the chase. Thirty minutes more and the Holker -would be under the batteries of a forty-four-gun -ship.</p> - -<p>“Now, lads,” remarked the little Yankee -skipper, “if you heave out that cargo with a will -and nary an eyebolt lets loose, I’ll put the Holker -into that hole yonder or we’ll pound our lives -out on the treacherous Jersey sands,” as he -stepped forward and took the wheel into his own -hands.</p> - -<p>“All hands at stations!” was the last command -after guns were lashed and hatches battened -down.</p> - -<p>The seas were running fearfully high from the -sou’east after the all-night gale. The breakers -could be seen for unlimited stretches right ahead, -rolling surge upon surge. The ship followed -a streak of blue water midst the white foam.</p> - -<p>When the Holker struck the channel the ebb-tide -was setting out, and, instead of driving -fast ahead, the Holker seemed to hold up and -simply rise and fall on the choppy seas.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>The hearts of all were in their throats, for now -the Roebuck loomed up and everybody saw -the Englishman luff and a broadside belched forth -at the struggling Holker. Down came her main-topsail, -but as long as her head-sails hung out -she could keep before the gale, and try to weather -the bar.</p> - -<p>The frigate was desperately near; another -raking broadside might take the Holker’s foremast, -and then she would be a helpless wreck -at the mercy of the breakers.</p> - -<p>But the smoke hid the Holker from the frigate -for an instant, and the valiant Risk held his -ship right upon the bar. As a huge surge came -athwart the quarter to throw the brig upon the -sands, the skipper put the wheel hard up. The -ship at once broached to on the crest of a wicked -sea and rolled on her beams’ ends. As the -keel scraped on the bar a burly seaman grasped -the wheel with the captain, and by wonderful -dexterity the rudder was put hard over. The -next surge saw the Holker right herself before -the wind and launch safely in the still water -beyond the bar.</p> - -<p>When the Holker accomplished this daring -feat of seamanship, the crew of the Roebuck -were so thrilled that they let out a lusty cheer -for the Yankee and bore off into the blue water<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> -to ride out the gale.</p> - -<p>Now that the Holker was speeding in smooth -water to a safe anchorage, the crew were clearing -away the wreckage and admiring the little captain, -who had saved them again from the horrors -of an English prison.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the Holker made the inlet at Little -Egg Harbor, she came to an anchorage behind -one of the low-lying islands. Her only chances -for an escape were a high tide and darkness, or -a fog that would let her slip out and pass the -Roebuck. If a boarding party from the English -frigate did not attack him, Captain Risk was -preparing his ship for a chance to escape. There -was much to keep his crew busy, for he had rigging -to overhaul and spars to mend.</p> - -<p>At the time Roderick Barclugh was boarding -the Albatross, the Holker was waiting to escape, -and little did he think that he was to run across -the privateer. He gladly went to his bunk and -indulged in much needed rest. All he knew -was that he was to be put ashore on the New -Jersey coast near Little Egg Harbor inlet, and -then he must make his way to Philadelphia -as best he could.</p> - -<p>He felt that nothing ought to worry him when -his mission to New York had been accomplished. -Thus far no drawback had occurred. Arnold -simply needed close watching and a small bait -of gold now and then to keep him working. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> -had arranged to sell the Holker when she had -delivered the flour, so that after the captain -and crew were paid the prize money, they could -find other adventures.</p> - -<p>The Albatross was one of those small, armed -cruisers used by General Clinton to execute -raiding commissions up and down the coast. -She was of light enough draft to enter small -inlets, travel the sounds and bays, and assist -in the guerilla warfare. She was a sloop armed -with eight nine-pound carronades, and one twelve-pound -swivel. The crew numbered forty men. -As the orders given Captain Sutherland were to -convey his passenger to a harbor on the Jersey -coast, the Albatross was under way very soon, -and started tacking into the sou’east gale for the -Narrows and Sandy Hook.</p> - -<p>The watch on deck was busy bringing the sloop -into stays and the men off watch were sleeping -soundly in their hammocks below decks. Barclugh -slept well until the Narrows were passed, and -the Albatross began to pound her nose into the -sea-way, then he awoke and peered out of the -cabin to see where this commotion came from.</p> - -<p>Greatly refreshed, Barclugh’s mind was active -and alert. Whether the change from the shore -to the realm of Neptune had caused an undue -influence upon his affairs, only time could tell;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> -however, there seems to be a weak point in the -affairs of all men; as though a farmer were to -sell his land and buy a ship to go to sea; or as -though each realm of nature had deities that -rebelled upon the invasion of their particular -sphere by the patrons of the others.</p> - -<p>At all events, Barclugh felt a restlessness from -the influence of the sea as he sat in the cabin -and pondered upon the working of his plot. -He now had time to think about Captain Risk -and the Holker. He wondered where she could -be and what would he do with Captain Risk, -who was the sole Colonist acquainted with his -dealings with Arnold. He reasoned thus:</p> - -<p>“Captain Risk is devoted to the fickle fortunes -of privateering.” (And so he was.) “After Risk’s -present enterprise shall have been closed, he -could take another ship and probably would -be captured by a British cruiser. Thus I do -not need to fear on that score.”</p> - -<p>Neptune loves a true sailor. But when a -land-lubber enters nautical enterprises to carry -out plots, the old Sea-god sets his Nereides upon -the novice to give him a taste of wind and wave. -Only the true and tried presume to propitiate -the nymphs of Father Neptune. Neither gold -nor titles influences the Nereides of wind and -wave. The hurricane in its mighty wrath levels<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> -the potentate to the same sphere as the peasant. -When the ship sinks, both exclaim in anguish:</p> - -<p>“Lord, have mercy upon us!”</p> - -<p>The Albatross made but slow progress against -the sou’east gale. The night of the second day -she was abreast of Barnegat inlet. Before morning -Little Egg Harbor inlet was reached, but -since the moon did not rise clear after midnight, -Captain Sutherland stood on and off until daylight. -In the daytime he could make the channel -and go over the bar.</p> - -<p>Early that morning the lookout forward sang -out:</p> - -<p>“Sail, ho!”</p> - -<p>“Where away?”</p> - -<p>“Two points on the weather bow, sir.”</p> - -<p>Captain Sutherland took his glass and made -out a full-rigged frigate bearing down upon him. -He had no fears, however, for he knew that the -Roebuck was in these waters, and no cruiser -of the enemy would likely be around. As the -frigate bore down alongside, within close range, -a voice from a trumpet out of the mizzen shrouds -was heard to say:</p> - -<p>“What ship is that and where away?”</p> - -<p>Captain Sutherland trumpeted back:</p> - -<p>“His Majesty’s sloop, the Albatross, bound -for Little Egg Harbor inlet.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>“All’s well,” returned the frigate. “This is His -Majesty’s man-of-war, Roebuck. We shall send -aboard important news.” The frigate came up -into the wind and lowered a boat to come aboard.</p> - -<p>No sooner had the first trumpet-sound reached -the Albatross than Barclugh was up and on deck; -if he were to be captured on board an English -armed sloop, his plans would miscarry. When -he saw His Majesty’s cruiser he was reassured. -As he paced up and down the deck, he saw the -lieutenant of the frigate come aboard and go -into the cabin of the Albatross.</p> - -<p>After customary formalities, Lieutenant Nelson -of the Roebuck stated his business:</p> - -<p>“Captain Sutherland, we are blockading a -Yankee privateer inside the inlet; she had captured -the General Monk; we have chased her into -this harbor.</p> - -<p>“If you will attack her, we will send you a -full complement of men. We will send the -boats and you can take her by boarding.</p> - -<p>“She can not manœuvre inside the harbor, -and she is crippled. Her forward battery is -gone, and she is short of crew.”</p> - -<p>“It’s well, Lieutenant Nelson, I shall obey -Captain Atherton’s orders,” replied Captain -Sutherland, and then he remarked quizzically: -“Shall we appease the sea-nymphs, Lieutenant?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>“Certainly, certainly,” returned Nelson, when -he observed Captain Sutherland go to the locker -and take out a decanter of Madeira and two -long glasses.</p> - -<p>“Got your eye?” proposed Sutherland, as -the two raised their glasses, and took a long pull -at the “Milk of Venus” for the sake of good -comradeship.</p> - -<p>During the day not a word could Barclugh -ask about the business of the two ships, for his -security depended upon his own counsel being -kept; but at daylight the next morning, there -was no more question in his mind.</p> - -<p>Lying at anchor behind the island was a crippled -brig with main-topmast gone. The frigate -was lying a mile on the weather bow, and all -was activity on her decks. Three boats’ crews -were boarding the small boats; he saw them -strike out for the Albatross. The wind had now -settled to a steady breeze from the south.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Nelson was in command of the -boats’ crews from the frigate, and as they came -alongside, sixty brawny men, armed to the teeth, -mounted the deck of the sloop. With the boats -in tow, the Albatross now made over the bar -toward the Holker.</p> - -<p>When the Holker escaped the Roebuck and -weathered the bar, Captain Risk commenced at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> -once to replace the injured topmast, and get his -sails repaired so that he could slip out in the -dark of night, and show his heels to the frigate. -But when Risk saw the armed sloop make the -inlet with the three boats in tow, he knew what -was ahead for his crew; therefore, he called them -all on deck and pointing to the sloop, said:</p> - -<p>“Men, there come those lime-juicers to take -this brig. They outnumber us two to one. Shall -we make them pay for their pains?”</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay,” came from every throat, and the -boatswain stepped forward and said:</p> - -<p>“Captain, wherever you lead us we will go.”</p> - -<p>Captain Risk was now on his mettle. His -ship was crippled; his main-topmast was gone, -he had thrown overboard his six-pounders, and -he was short his two lieutenants; his prize crew -was on the General Monk, and the killed and -wounded in the engagement depleted his numbers; -however, he was determined that if he were compelled -to strike to the enemy he would make -them pay two for one.</p> - -<p>Mounting the quarter-deck, he first ordered -a spring-line on his kedge to windward, his bower -anchor to leeward so that he could spring his -stern in a semicircle and bring his battery of -twelve-pounders to bear, no matter from what -point the enemy approached.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>Next he ordered the boarding-nets in place, -loaded all the muskets and pistols, and placed -everything handy for fighting close aboard. Cutlasses -and pikes were made ready and the deck -was sanded. The battery was double-shotted -with grape for close execution.</p> - -<p>The Albatross came up with a fair breeze from -the south’ard as though they were on a pleasure -excursion. When the sloop drew up into the -inlet, Barclugh got the glass from Captain Sutherland -and critically examined the lines and rig -of the Holker.</p> - -<p>He then began to think. The whole matter -came before his view. The Holker could be taken. -The crew and Captain Risk could be confined -until his plot was carried through. Yet he did -not wish any harm to come to Risk during the -fight.</p> - -<p>When Barclugh returned the spying-glass to -Captain Sutherland, he remarked earnestly:</p> - -<p>“Captain Sutherland, I see that fellow is getting -ready to give us a warm reception, and may I -have the honor of leading one of your boats’ crews -against him?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir,” replied the captain imperatively. -“I have strict orders to land you safely on the -Jersey shore in Little Egg River, and I can not -take any risks. You better repair at once to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> -your cabin, and remain there during the engagement, -sir,” continued the captain, as he turned -to order his men. Barclugh could say nothing -to these orders, and he went below to mingle -with the crew of the frigate.</p> - -<p>Among the men he noticed a good-natured -looking fellow; going up to him, he said in an -undertone:</p> - -<p>“I want to speak to you, my good man. Kindly -come to my cabin.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, sir,” replied the man-o’-war’s man, -as he ambled along with Barclugh.</p> - -<p>When they reached his cabin, Barclugh said:</p> - -<p>“For certain private reasons, I desire to go -aboard that brig when she is taken. Here are -five guineas, my man, if you exchange your -uniform for my suit. You remain closely in -my cabin and keep the door fastened until I -return. Give me your name and station and I -will take your place in the boarding party.”</p> - -<p>“My name is William Atkinson, hand as -hit’s to obleege a gentleman I’m willin’. We ’ave -more’n this business than a poor man’s pay -allows. Hi belongs to boat’s crew number one,” -replied the sailor as he hitched up his trousers -and put the guineas in a bag around his neck.</p> - -<p>When Barclugh had changed his garb, Atkinson -looked at him and remarked:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>“Keep in the dark and go along with the rest. -Hin the hexcitement you will not be knownst. -Howsomever, you better get a little grease to -blacken ’em hup a little.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh took his place among the armed men -below, and kept in the dark corners until the -command was passed to man cutter number one.</p> - -<p>As the sloop boomed up with a spanking -breeze, every available space was occupied by -the one hundred armed men on her decks, so -that they looked like black birds. Captain Risk -did not intend to remain idle while this array -was coming on. Instead, he trained his long -eighteen-pound pivot, and opened the fracas by -giving the Englishman a good shot between wind -and water.</p> - -<p>The sloop then manned the cutters and while -they were advancing on the brig, the sloop luffed -up and delivered a broadside at long range, -but most of the shot fell short.</p> - -<p>However, four boats’ crews, three from the -frigate and one from the sloop, advanced on the -Holker with loud cheers. Barclugh took his -place unnoticed; the frigate’s men thought a man -from the sloop had gotten into their crew by -mistake. The spy was intent on gaining the -deck of the Holker so that he might protect Risk -if possible.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>As the four boats’ crews came up to the Holker’s -bow within close range, Captain Risk swung off -on the kedge-spring line, and brought his broadside -up to the boats and a sheet of flame burst -out of the Holker’s side. A score of men lay -prostrate on the bottom of the boats. Barclugh -escaped.</p> - -<p>The boats opened up a hot fire and took different -courses,—one to the forward chains,—one -on each quarter, and one astern.</p> - -<p>The boat’s crew astern cut the spring-line on -the kedge, but that only let the Holker drift with -the wind.</p> - -<p>Now commenced the fight with small arms, -when the cannon could not bear. The crew -of the Holker stationed themselves on the forecastle -and on the quarter-deck.</p> - -<p>A rush was made by the attacking party at -the forward chains, but every time a head showed -itself above the bulwarks, it was met with a -cutlass or marlin-spike.</p> - -<p>Two different rushes were made by the British -at the stern, but each attack was repulsed, and -after forty minutes of ineffectual work the -English boats retired amidst loud cheers from -the Holker’s crew.</p> - -<p>The English lost fifteen killed and twenty -wounded. They went back to the sloop severely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> -crippled,—so much so, in fact, that signals were -at once made to the Roebuck, and two boat-loads -of crippled and dead sent off to the frigate.</p> - -<p>That evening Captain Risk saw four boat-loads -come back from the frigate to the sloop. He knew -that he was to have a night attack from more men -than before, and he had lost six men in the fight -that day. His force was now reduced to thirty-four -men.</p> - -<p>Risk prepared for an emergency by placing -his long tom amidships so that if the enemy -gained the deck forward or aft, he could turn -them a point-blank charge of grape, and, with -a rally of his men, drive them overboard.</p> - -<p>As Captain Risk expected, however, at midnight -he could see six boat-loads approaching in the -moonlight. He stationed his men, and they -knew that before Captain Risk would strike to -the enemy he would apply a match to the magazine, -so every man determined to die at his station.</p> - -<p>As soon as the enemy’s boats were distinguishable -in their dim outlines, a rapid discharge of -the twelve-pounders and the muskets began. The -English separated and dashed forward. The -plan was well executed, since almost at once the -six boats came alongside at different points.</p> - - - - -<p>Fighting like demons, the crews of the boats -were determined to avenge the day’s repulse and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> -gain the deck. The English were driven back -amidships and astern where Captain Risk led -his men; but in the forward chains the English -were in such numbers that they clambered up -so fast that the Yankees were driven back.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_274fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">Captain Risk engaged two seamen, cutlass in one hand<br /> -and pistol in the other.</p> - -<p>When Captain Risk saw the English gathering -for a rush from the forecastle, he grabbed a match -and turning the long tom forward, he applied -the fire. He then called his men to his side -to drive the English back into their boats.</p> - -<p>But the English had too many. When the -long tom dealt its carnage, enough remained -to rush upon Risk and his little band, where a -hand-to-hand encounter ensued.</p> - -<p>Rushing at the head of his men into the fight, -Captain Risk engaged two seamen, and with -cutlass in one hand and pistol in the other, he -shot one through the shoulder and sent the other -reeling to the deck with a cutlass stroke on his -head. Being now pressed on all sides, Risk -rushed with a match to the companion-way -to throw it into the magazine; but he was shot -in the forehead and killed before he could accomplish -his object. The Americans, now officerless, -were forced upon the quarter-deck; the crew -was overpowered from all sides, and the colors -hauled down by the enemy. But the victory -was dearly bought by the English. In this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> -last encounter twenty Englishmen were killed -and thirty-two wounded.</p> - -<p>Among those that were wounded was Barclugh. -When Captain Risk rushed upon the two seamen -that were advancing upon him, the one that -he shot in the shoulder was Barclugh. Faint -with the loss of blood, and stunned by the shock, -Barclugh crawled very humbly back into his -boat, and sat there until he was carried to the -sloop. He was not fatally hurt, but his arm -pained him severely.</p> - -<p>When the sloop was reached, Barclugh got -aboard without the assistance of his mates, but, -once below, he crawled to his cabin door. He -found William Atkinson soundly asleep, snoring -like a porpoise blowing. When he awoke the -man-o’-war’s man, Atkinson exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Lor’ bless me, sir, you’re shot! I was dreamin’ -how’s somethin’ was happenin’ to you, sir. So -let me ’elp you to bed and get you some water -or brandy. Here, let me get on my own clothes, -as I am sure to be blamed for these ’appenin’s.</p> - -<p>“That’s it,—off with the blouse and trousers. -I’m into them in a jiffy. You’ll be better now, -as you lie down a bit.”</p> - -<p>“Atkinson,” requested Barclugh feebly, “you -will find some brandy in the locker there,—give -me a little.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>“Ah, yes, sir. I was trying a wee bit in your -absence, sir. It’s werry good.</p> - -<p>“Here you are,” continued the jacky. “Take -that. Now lie down sir, and I’ll go and notify -the captain, sir. But before I go, sir, I wants to -leave these guineas with you. For, as you ’ad -the trouble to get shot in my place, I can’t take -your money.” But when Atkinson looked at -Barclugh, he saw that he was unconscious, so, -putting the money under the pillow, he hastened -on deck.</p> - -<p>There every one was busy. Groans, curses, -the dead laid out in rows on the forecastle deck,—the -wounded placed aboard the Roebuck’s boats,—commands -for cutters’ crews to man their boats, -confronted Atkinson on every hand. When his -ensign ordered the crew of Atkinson’s cutter to -give way on the oars, he was at his station, and -poor Barclugh was left unattended in his cabin.</p> - -<p>Every circumstance now turned against Barclugh -and his plans.</p> - -<p>Captain Risk was killed, but he had inflicted -a serious wound in the heat of battle, upon the -plotter of the scheme. Thus the fate of a nation -was in the balance.</p> - -<p>The representative of British gold received -pay for his pains when he was heartlessly left -by the seaman in his cabin. When he aroused<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> -from his spell of unconsciousness, in a dazed -condition, he looked around and found himself -quite alone. After a short period of reflection, -he remembered the capture of the Holker, the -encounter with Risk and the death of the intrepid -little captain as he attempted to blow up his -ship and all on board.</p> - -<p>“My God!” muttered Barclugh to himself. -“Ever since I came aboard this craft, the fates -seem to have worried me and to have been set -against my enterprise. Zounds! I had tried -to be of some service to Risk, but he has put me -in my present predicament.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Lord, have mercy upon me! Oh, that -shoulder is done for! I cannot raise my left -arm. I better try and call for some assistance.”</p> - -<p>When Barclugh tried to raise himself, the loss -of blood made his head light, and everything -seemed to grow dark when he raised himself. -He lay back in his berth, consoling himself -by exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“I had better remain where I am, and thank -God that I am not worse off!”</p> - -<p>Barclugh lay quietly in his berth for hours,—in -fact until the morning after the fight. Captain -Sutherland had thought of Barclugh as fast -asleep, little thinking that his passenger would -disobey orders. However, when Captain Sutherland<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> -had left a crew aboard the Holker to fit -her out and take her to New York, he began to -look after his passenger. Not finding him astir -and nobody having seen him for twenty-four -hours, he went to Barclugh’s stateroom and -rapped on the door.</p> - -<p>A voice within responded feebly:</p> - -<p>“Come in.”</p> - -<p>As the captain entered, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, Mr. Gustavus?”</p> - -<p>“Well, Captain, I disobeyed your orders. -I could not resist going to that ship and fighting -for the King; but here I am with my shoulder -shot to pieces.”</p> - -<p>“I am very sorry, Mr. Gustavus,” replied -Captain Sutherland. “Are you hurt very badly? -I will send the ship’s surgeon to you.”</p> - -<p>The surgeon came and dressed the wound and -set the collar-bone, that had been broken. He -put Barclugh under strict orders that he must -not move out of bed for two or three days.</p> - -<p>These three days were like sackcloth and -ashes to Barclugh. He was feverish to get to -Philadelphia, but the wound chastened his soul. -He grew sick at heart, when he lay bandaged up, -and the words of Mollie Greydon rang in his ears:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“Had I but serv’d my God with half the zeal</div> -<div class="verse">“I serv’d my king,—”</div> -</div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>He tossed restlessly, smarting under the pangs -of a contrite heart, and muttered to himself again -and again:</p> - -<p>“If I only had half of the simplicity and happiness -of the new settler, Benjamin Andrews, all -the drafts on the Bank of Amsterdam that I -have on my person would be freely given. If -my life were linked with a pure and lofty spirit -like Mollie Greydon, and living on some lovely -estate like Dorminghurst, how free from all of -this turmoil and strife my life would be! No war!! -No great need of money!!! No jealousy!!!! -Just living serenely for the happiness of those -around me and for the glory of my Creator!”</p> - -<p>If the sublime presence of a sweet and tender -woman had been able to minister to Barclugh -at this crisis of his soul, the better nature within -him would have triumphed over his sordidness, -and he would have given up to the better dictates -of his conscience. However, he fell into a deep -slumber, and when he awoke his body had become -rested and refreshed. Stern ambition was uppermost -in his mind again, and he began to plan -to get back to Philadelphia.</p> - -<p>The next day Barclugh commenced to recover -from the shock of his wound; he chafed under -the restraint that he was in; then he sent for -Captain Sutherland. As soon as Captain Sutherland<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> -entered the cabin where the spy was sitting -in an arm-chair, having his arm in a sling, he -spoke cautiously:</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Captain Sutherland. I am -behind on my calculations two days already, and -I am very desirous of returning to Philadelphia.”</p> - -<p>“How do you propose to return, sir?” quizzed -the captain.</p> - -<p>“I have resolved on two possible means,” -answered Barclugh. “One is to engage a passage -on a fishing sloop; the other to go overland.</p> - -<p>“I used to be acquainted with a Swedish -fisherman who sold oysters in that city. He had -two sloops that plied to this inlet. If I could -be fortunate enough to find him, I could return -most comfortably.</p> - -<p>“Then I could be taken up Little Egg River -as far as a small boat could go and thereafter -depend on my own wits to reach Philadelphia -overland. I prefer the water route in a sloop.</p> - -<p>“Put me ashore at some fisherman’s hut and -I will take care of myself,” concluded Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Do you think that you are well enough to -make the journey?” asked the captain.</p> - -<p>“I shall be as well off as I am waiting here,” -continued Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“If you will give me two trusty men in a boat -to land me at the mouth of Little Egg Harbor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> -River, I shall stop with the first fisherman that I -can find. I can buy his boat, if necessary, to take -me on my journey. A few guineas will look big -in his eyes,” argued Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Very well, Mr. Gustavus, I shall undertake -to land you whenever you are ready,” stated -Captain Sutherland, as he arose to leave.</p> - -<p>“I shall be ready at sunrise,” replied Barclugh, -whereupon the captain left the cabin for the deck.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Barclugh</span> had been landed, as agreed, by -the crew of the Albatross at the mouth of the Little -Egg River, and had made his way to the hut of -a Swedish fisherman; not a soul had seen whence -he came.</p> - -<p>The fisherman’s hut was small, having been -built out of the logs that were found on the beach -and which had drifted from some lumberman’s -raft of distant Maine or New Hampshire; yea, -some claimed greater distinction. An experienced -eye could distinguish the mahogany log that had -floated from the West Indies with the Gulf Stream, -and had been blown on the Jersey sands by a -nor’east or sou’east gale. These logs were all -smoothly hewn and chinked with a mortar made -from the lime of the oyster shell and the sands -cast up by the waves.</p> - -<p>The house sat on the shelving bank of the river, -surrounded by ragged nets, tar-smeared cauldrons, -floats and spars. A rather young woman stood -in the doorway, while two children with bare feet -played about and a yellow dog barked vociferously -at the stranger’s approach.</p> - -<p>The children ran to the protection of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> -mother’s skirt when they saw the man come near. -Two calves stopped their pranks to gaze at the -new-comer. Loneliness stuck out from every -corner of the habitation, and stolid contentment -was evident in every pore of the buxom young -Swedish mother.</p> - -<p>Barclugh was at his wit’s ends when he strode -up to the doorway, after side-stepping a few times -to escape the charges of the dog. The woman -stamped her foot and ordered the dog off, in a -language foreign to Barclugh’s comprehension.</p> - -<p>Bowing in his most gracious manner and holding -his hat in his one free hand, Barclugh said -graciously:</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Madam. Is your husband -at home?”</p> - -<p>No answer, except a dubious shake of the head, -accompanied by a most pleasant smile. She -walked into the one room of the house, and -offered Barclugh a chair when she had a good -look at his crippled arm and bandaged shoulder.</p> - -<p>Everything about the fisherman’s home was -plain, yet scrupulously clean. The floor was -glistening with the purest of sand. The large -fireplace took up nearly the whole end of the house. -A kettle, a skillet, and a three-legged, shallow -pot sat on the hearth. A broad table was on one -side, which had been scoured with sand and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> -soft soap until the knots alone showed what character -the wood once had.</p> - -<p>Without any ceremony, the good wife began -to prepare a meal. First she put a pot on with -fresh water, then went out to the river bank where -her husband kept lobsters and crabs in a small -trap. By using a small dipping-net, she brought -out a large lobster and a half a dozen crabs.</p> - -<p>These were hurried into the steaming kettle, -and there sat Barclugh watching his meal cook, -while he became acquainted with the children -by making grimaces at them.</p> - -<p>Barclugh ate his sea food, potatoes, and coarse -bread with much relish. He offered the good -housewife a piece of silver, but she only shook -her head in the negative.</p> - -<p>The day wore on and Barclugh sat on the river -bank, watching the children build houses in the -sand, and the dog pant in the broiling sun. He -knew that the fisherman must come home, and -then he would find some one with whom he could -converse. However, a foreign-tongued woman -and guileless children suited his purpose, for the -less that he had to talk the better for him.</p> - -<p>The sun was setting over the broad expanse -of sea-marsh, when a well-rigged fishing sloop -drew into the river’s mouth and landed at the -fisherman’s hut. Two gnarly Swedes and a lad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> -jumped ashore. The older one was the husband -of the young woman, evidently, for she went -to the landing and in a few words explained -to him the presence of the stranger.</p> - -<p>The Swede approached Barclugh, who noticed -that the fisherman’s face was much weather-beaten, -his beard shaggy and unkempt.</p> - -<p>“Meester, you have been shot?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” replied Barclugh anxiously. “I -am wounded and came near being captured by -those English ships of war. I want to go to -Philadelphia.”</p> - -<p>“Vaal, I go to Pheeladelpheea with my feesh -right avay. Eef you——”</p> - -<p>“I’ll give you two guineas to take me there, -and two guineas more to keep silent, and let no -one know where I came from,” nervously added -Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Aal right, I say nothing. I geeve you goot -passage.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh then handed him four guineas. The -Swede smiled and went into the house, where he -gave the gold to his wife, and got his bag of clean -clothes.</p> - -<p>There were no delays in the Swede’s movements. -He jumped on board the sloop with -the other Swede and left the lad to stay with -the family.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>The sloop was well loaded amidships. An -assorted cargo of crabs, lobsters, bluefish, flounder, -and mackerel were all packed in ice, and covered -over with moss. Hatches were fastened athwart-ship -and bulkheads protected the cuddy and the -cockpit from the cargo of sea food.</p> - -<p>The cuddy was forward of the mast, and a -square hatchway let the crew below to the bunks, -which were on each side of the keel between the -stem and the bulkhead.</p> - -<p>The cockpit had seats all around it in the shape -of a half-circle. A barrel of fresh water rested -on the keel under the seat next to the after bulkhead; -little drawers were arranged under the seats -where dishes and food were stored; a small charcoal -stove was used to furnish heat in cold weather -and to cook the meals.</p> - -<p>Barclugh was taken aboard and informed -that he could bunk in the cuddy until morning. -Then the fishermen hoisted sail and cast off the -moorings. He gladly accepted the offer, for -he had been well fed by the Swede’s wife, and what -he most needed was rest.</p> - -<p>A long bag full of marsh grass was in the bunk -to lie upon, and a dunnage bag made his pillow. -The cuddy was as neat and clean as one could -expect aboard a fisherman’s craft. When the -water went swishing by on the sloop’s planking,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> -Barclugh fell into a sound sleep.</p> - -<p>The two Swedes were brothers. One was -married, and the other was his partner in the -fishing trade. The lad was a nephew that had -come from Sweden to live with his uncles. They -plied their occupation between Little Egg Harbor -inlet and Philadelphia, and sold their catch to -Sven Svenson. In the summer season they took -out enough ice each trip to keep their fish until -their return, and when Barclugh boarded their -sloop they were in a hurry to get to Philadelphia -in the shortest time possible.</p> - -<p>The wind was light when the sun went down, -but with the rising of the moon the wind freshened -and carried them down the coast at eight knots -an hour.</p> - -<p>Nothing disturbed the serenity of the trip. -When everything was sailing smoothly, the older -one crawled into the cuddy and occupied the bunk -opposite Barclugh. He slept soundly until after -midnight, when he relieved his brother and let -him turn in.</p> - -<p>At sunrise Barclugh arose and after freshening -up with a good wash, he looked around to see -where they were. He saw the sloop heading -northwest, and a low-lying point of land astern.</p> - -<p>“Where are we now?” he asked, as he took -a good long breath of fresh air.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>“Wee aare finfe hoors sail fram Pheeladalpheea, -Meester,” was the reply of the Swede at the tiller.</p> - -<p>The younger one was busy at the cooking of -the morning meal. Barclugh discouraged talk -and the Swedes knew what they had been given the -guineas for.</p> - -<p>The British spy took a seat forward and began -to swell with exultation when he pondered over -his journey to New York, his interview with -General Clinton, and his participation in the -capture of the Holker. Now he was speeding -to the conclusion of his journey,—the sloop -skimmed over the rolling waves of the Atlantic, as -his enthusiasm grew apace, and he thought of the -subjugation of West Point by intrigue.</p> - -<p>When the sloop reached the fishmonger’s -landing in Philadelphia and Barclugh stepped -ashore, he walked unnoticed to his lodgings -and inwardly exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Victory! Victory!”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXVI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">No sooner</span> was Barclugh settled in his lodgings, -than he began to resume his business duties.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hopewell,” he ordered, calling his clerk -from the accounting room to his private office, -“go, and inform General Arnold that Mr. Barclugh -has arrived and that he wishes to see him at -five o’clock in his private office.</p> - -<p>“Inform any personage of importance that I -had a fall from my horse and broke my collar-bone; -be careful to whom you impart this information.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir,” replied the faithful clerk, as -he bowed himself out of the stern-visaged presence.</p> - -<p>With his going, Barclugh threw himself upon -his couch, and rested his weary body. The -twenty days of exploit had been most eventful -and full of activities. Now that he had performed -his mission to New York, Arnold’s part alone had -to be carried out and the plot would be executed.</p> - -<p>Weariness overcame Barclugh, and he slept -soundly until he heard a knock on his door.</p> - -<p>Starting up with a dazed memory, he arose and -found Mr. Hopewell at the door, who informed -him that General Arnold was in the outside -office, waiting to see him by appointment.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>“Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Very well! I’ll see General -Arnold in a very few minutes,” said Barclugh, -reflecting for an instant.</p> - -<p>Barclugh hurriedly washed and dressed and -as he passed through the accounting room, he -quietly said to his clerk:</p> - -<p>“You may go now, Mr. Hopewell.”</p> - -<p>When the door opened upon General Arnold -he arose nervously, and, as he beheld Barclugh -with his arm in a sling, he rushed forward and -seized Barclugh’s right hand in both of his, -exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“Why, how do you do, Mr. Barclugh? I hope -that you are not seriously injured? What,—what -hurt you?”</p> - -<p>“This is nothing serious,” replied Barclugh, -as he languidly took a seat. His wan and weather-beaten -face had placed ten years upon his -shoulders.</p> - -<p>The two conspirators sat down and for an -instant each gazed at the other to learn if there -were any sign of the white feather. To the steady -gaze of Barclugh’s steely blue eyes, Arnold returned -their inquisitive glance with a set jaw -and a determined look that could not be mistaken -for backsliding.</p> - -<p>“How have you made out?” inquired Arnold -hesitatingly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>“All right,” replied Barclugh firmly. “I saw -Washington; I saw Clinton; I saw Risk killed.”</p> - -<p>“Good enough for that little pudgy piece of -conceit. He thought that he could whip all -Christendom with that Holker and fifty men. -So he’s killed! How did that happen?”</p> - -<p>Barclugh briefly related the whole journey,—the -capture of the General Monk, and the loss -of the Holker.</p> - -<p>When it came to the capture of the Holker, -General Arnold became very much interested, -for his profits were in the cargo. He asked:</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Barclugh, shall I receive anything -out of this Holker business now?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, we have sold the ship and cargo to the -English for whom it was intended, and the telltale -crew is disposed of. I will guarantee your share. -You need not worry about that. All that you -need to do now is to secure the command of West -Point. We will carry out the money part of -the agreement.”</p> - -<p>“Very good, Mr. Barclugh,” continued Arnold, -“but you see I am suffering for money; my debts -of five thousand pounds sterling are driving me -to destruction, and I wish that you could advance -me some to-day.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh now saw his opportunity to crush -the independence of Arnold. At this pitiable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> -appeal for money, he arose with fist clenched, and -struck the table as he spoke:</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, I have advanced you $3000! -I have undertaken the Holker enterprise for your -benefit! I have arranged to secure you twenty -thousand pounds for the delivery of West Point! -I have even secured for you the assurance of a -General’s commission in His Majesty’s service, -and all that has been asked of you is to deliver -West Point! Now you ask me to advance more -of His Majesty’s funds? No, sir, not until you -have done more of your part. You must secure -West Point!”</p> - -<p>The man who had suffered the privations -and starvation of an expedition at the head of -a half-clad army to capture Quebec in mid-winter, -and never lost heart, now quailed before -this ostentation of money. He hung his head -and in half-choking tones he arose and said:</p> - -<p>“I have written to General Washington, and -I may hear from him very soon. I do hope -that you can help me.”</p> - -<p>As Arnold finished the last sentence, he walked -out of the rooms of Roderick Barclugh with the -most forlorn expression. His chin was resting -on his breast as he walked to his home, there, -maybe, to receive another imperious demand for -money.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXVII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">“General Arnold,</span> I can not and shall not -be subjected to these miserable indignities any -longer,” exclaimed Mrs. Arnold, as she hysterically -left her husband at the breakfast table -and went to her bed-chamber.</p> - -<p>On the day after Barclugh had arrived in Philadelphia, -the Commander of the town had been -presented with the demands for the servants’ -wages, bills for two gowns, and pay for the oysters -and fish from Sven Svenson, by his wife at breakfast, -and his reply was:</p> - -<p>“My dear, I have no money to-day.”</p> - -<p>Arnold was brave in the midst of battle, but -in the presence of an imperious and unreasoning -wife he was an abject coward. A look from his -wife was a command to Arnold, and he allowed -his domestic expenses to ruin him and drive -him into desperation, because he did not dare -to curb within his means an unreasonably extravagant -woman.</p> - -<p>After Mrs. Arnold, in a fit of temper, had left -her husband, Arnold arose in dismay, then sat -down dejectedly in his chair. His brow was -wrinkled; his eyes wore an expression of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> -fox, driven to bay; his frame shook with anguish; -his hands clenched his hair; and he sought relief -mentally, by reasoning out his situation to himself:</p> - -<p>“My love for my wife causeth me to do foolish -things, but I can not deny her anything that -pleases her. Her very look is a command to me. -When we married I thought our position demanded -a country-seat, and I bought it. When she asked -for a carriage and postilion, I furnished them. -When she wished to dine her friends of the Tory -party, I consented.</p> - -<p>“But where has it led me at length? I am a -Major-General of the Continentals, and living -like a prince. Been married two years and five -thousand pounds in debt. Oh, that I could end -these pangs of pride! Yes, I shall end them. -I shall again see Roderick Barclugh. I shall -write again to General Washington and demand -my assignment to West Point,” concluded Arnold -as he arose and went to his wife’s chamber. He -tried to enter but the door was fastened.</p> - -<p>An angry voice from within asked:</p> - -<p>“Who’s that?”</p> - -<p>“Margaret, my dear, may I speak to you?” -meekly replied Arnold.</p> - -<p>“I shall not have any explanation, General -Arnold,” savagely replied his wife; but she opened -the door and imperiously walked to the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> -side of the room, where she stood with her back -to him.</p> - -<p>“My dear,” began Arnold, “I find that,——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, you’ll find that I and my child will -leave this house and you will find——” interjected -Mrs. Arnold.</p> - -<p>“If you will let me explain?” continued Arnold.</p> - -<p>“I sha’n’t allow you to explain to me any more. -You have done nothing but explain ever since -you met me.</p> - -<p>“What shall become of me and my child, -if things do not improve?” continued Mrs. Arnold -as she began sobbing.</p> - -<p>“I know that you will be ordered off to active -service and then you will be killed and what shall -become of me? There will be nothing left for -me to survive upon under this government.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind, my dear, I shall try and get -West Point. Then our fortunes will soon change. -We will not have all of the expenses of living -in the city; we can then pay off our debts. Besides -I have some commercial ventures that I expect -to bring in some returns very soon. I know -how you must feel when you see how much money -the FitzMaurices and the Millings and the Redmans -have and we do not have anything but -my meagre pay to live upon.</p> - -<p>“But remember, my dearest, I shall do all in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> -my power to make you happy,—even to giving -up my life. Oh! Margaret, bear up a little -longer and I shall be able to gratify every desire -that you may have. You know how much I -love you, and how happy we have been with -our boy!”</p> - -<p>Quickly turning toward her husband, the -beautiful and young Mrs. Arnold put her face -poutingly up to his to be kissed, as she said:</p> - -<p>“Benedict, I know that you love me, and I am -afraid that you love me more than I deserve.”</p> - -<p>The Arnold household had to contend with -two conditions that are sure to disrupt the tranquility -of a home. One was the imperious, unreasoning -ambition of the wife to shine socially, -and the other was the recognition, by the husband, -that his own social position was not equal to the -position that his wife was entitled to hold by -reason of education, family and environment.</p> - -<p>Arnold had won fame in a few years on account -of his brilliant and daring military exploits, but -his reckless and obstinate nature had brought -him into disrepute. He lacked finesse and diplomacy. -His home and social surroundings demanded -wisdom that he did not possess.</p> - -<p>He had been an apothecary, a horse trader, -and a sea captain. His enterprise in business -had been of the adventurous order. He had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> -rubbed against the <i>hoi polloi</i> of Colonial times. -He was at home in a country dance among French -Canadians on his journeys to trade Yankee -notions for ponies, but when he entered the ultra-aristocratic -circles of Philadelphia as the military -commandant, he soon succumbed to the wiles -of the beautiful women and the luxury of gay -living; his head soon swam with the fantastic -notions of a new and gilded life.</p> - -<p>He was an unsophisticated Adam, partaking -of the sweets of life with no preparation of the -appetite. His ardent nature was not tempered -with the prudence of experience. He glutted -himself like the gamin who enters a pie contest. -The wine was red and he desired to indulge himself -in its flavor. No consequences appealed to him -in his mad intoxication; he had no wisdom; -his gentility was crude. Although he was bold, -he was reduced by circumstances to a parasite; -he even surrendered his political principles to -those of his wife and her friends.</p> - -<p>When these two social forces had met and were -joined in matrimony, an abject imitation was made -of the husband, and a tyrannical boaster of the -wife.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXVIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Leaving</span> his wife’s chamber, Arnold went -to the office of Roderick Barclugh.</p> - -<p>He was smarting under the findings of the -court-martial at Morristown, and under the -monetary demands of a gay and ambitious wife. -He had proposed to resign his commission in -the army and settle upon an estate in the wilds -of Western New York, and let history right the -wrongs that had been heaped upon him, but the -ambition of his wife intervened again. Her love -of social distinction would not allow her to consent -to a home in the wilderness. What a glorious -record of heroism was thus turned into the wormwood -of infamy!</p> - -<p>Desperation was written on his face when -Arnold reached the office of Roderick Barclugh, -who shook the General’s hand, saying:</p> - -<p>“I hope, General Arnold, that you do not -think seriously of my heated discourse toward -you yesterday, for I was weary and suffering -from my wound. I was then ill-humored and -out of patience. Anything that I can do to -relieve your financial difficulties, you may command -of me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>This unexpected liberality on the part of Barclugh -now won the heart of Arnold. The ointment -for a wounded spirit was in these words.</p> - -<p>Arnold sat down and smiled as he rubbed his -hands and began to relate confidingly to Barclugh:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, my life, thus far, has been -full of hardship and bitterness. My honors have -been won with a heart true to my country; no -stigma yet rests upon my name; but my motives -have been misjudged and maligned; the designs -and calumny of wicked rivals have filled my -life with despair.</p> - -<p>“Then, my enemies have attacked the idol of -my soul,—my wife and the mother of my child. -Enough to arouse the bitterness of my being -were the attacks upon my own actions, but when -the opinions of my wife and her friends have to -be scored and laid up against me I am driven -to seek satisfaction.</p> - -<p>“The one burden of my soul that bears me down -to the depths of desperation, however, is that -of my debts. I have always been used to having -plenty for my simple needs, but the war has -impoverished me, and I can not get my just dues -from Congress. I owe the butcher, the baker -and the footman. My wife’s social ambition I -am not able to curtail. I am in the depths of -embarrassment over my debts.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>“If it were not for what I owe I could not -consent to treason to extricate myself; but I am too -deeply involved. Indeed, too deeply!” concluded -Arnold as his voice choked, and huge tears trickled -down his cheeks.</p> - -<p>Not a word passed the lips of these men of -iron for a period that seemed oppressively long.</p> - -<p>At length Barclugh broke the silence, remarking -compassionately:</p> - -<p>“My dear General Arnold, your life has been -worried to distraction by men of small and ungenerous -natures. They have sought to elevate -themselves by your undoing; but what must you -expect from a government such as you have in -these Colonies? There is no authority, no responsible -head. You, in your case, have no -appeal from a backbiting set of adventurers.</p> - -<p>“But in government at home such services as -you have rendered have the reward of a peerage -and a grant from Parliament for the benefit -of your family.</p> - -<p>“There is no use talking further, you can serve -your countrymen far more, by trying to put an -end to these injustices, perpetrated by an irresponsible -rabble upon personages of substance, -than by trying to win independence,—for what?—A -worse government, perhaps, than the one you -have had as Colonists.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span>“In any event, the Commissioners of His -Majesty are willing to grant all the demands that -the Colonists have asked for.</p> - -<p>“Now, General Arnold, you will pardon me, -but if I were to put two thousand pounds sterling -to your credit, as a loan, and leave it here for -your convenience, would that be of any service -to you?”</p> - -<p>“My dear Mr. Barclugh,” replied Arnold most -graciously, “you have befriended me generously—I -am in need of friends.</p> - -<p>“I shall not forget your kindness, but may -I ask you to let me have five hundred pounds -to-day?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, certainly,” returned Barclugh, and -he counted him out the amount in Bank of England -notes.</p> - -<p>“But there is only one matter I wish to impress -upon you, General Arnold, before you go,” -continued Barclugh, as he arose and took Arnold -by the hand. “I hope that you will press the -matter about West Point with General Washington, -and let me know at the very first moment what -news you get. I know that General Washington -desires to befriend you.”</p> - -<p>“Of course, Mr. Barclugh, I will keep you -posted. I expect news any day; still there is -a feeling within me that Washington is under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> -the influence of my enemies. He does not show -the cordiality to me now, that he used to.</p> - -<p>“But never mind, I shall be able to give them -all a lesson in the manner of treating a gentleman, -when the war is over.”</p> - -<p>“Good day, Mr. Barclugh, I am more than -grateful.”</p> - -<p>“Come down at any time, General. We shall arrange -all details when you hear from headquarters.</p> - -<p>“Good day,” concluded Roderick Barclugh.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>“Segwuna, where have you been, my dear? -I have missed you so much,” were the words of -Mollie Greydon, when she saw Segwuna for the -first time in two weeks. Segwuna was in the -winding path leading to the old mill on the Wingohocking -at Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>Segwuna turned around at the sound of Mollie’s -voice, and walking toward her, put an arm around -the waist of her friend and replied:</p> - -<p>“I have been to New York selling some moccasins -and leggings,” for she did not desire -to let Mollie know the whole of her reasons for -going to New York.</p> - -<p>Segwuna continued spiritedly:</p> - -<p>“While there I saw General Clinton and -Major Andre. They live in such grand style,—a -coach and postilion, just like General Arnold.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>“Those grand people have no love for an -Indian girl like me.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, never mind, my sweetheart! I love -you,” retorted Mollie sweetly, as she embraced -her friend and kissed her on the cheek.</p> - -<p>“Oh, let’s go down to the mill, Segwuna,” -continued Mollie. “We can sit down and relieve -our hearts to each other.”</p> - -<p>Mollie had been much agitated ever since Mr. -Barclugh’s visit to Dorminghurst. She had been -affected by the very peculiar and earnest look in -his eyes at the breakfast table. She had seen -neither Barclugh nor Segwuna since then, and -her delicate nature had dwelt upon the tender -gaze in Barclugh’s eyes and thoughts of what -it might mean had haunted her by day and by -night. If she could have told Segwuna, she would -have found relief, but Segwuna had left the same -day that Mr. Barclugh had gone to New York.</p> - -<p>The two life-long friends, with arms around -each other’s waists, now sauntered down to a -lonely spot around the old mill to tell of their -fears and their hearts’ desires. Mollie believed -that Segwuna had wisdom, so that the Indian -maiden was the oracle that Mollie consulted -when she had burdens on her mind.</p> - -<p>These two childlike natures had that implicit -confidence in each other that is born of God.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span> -They sat on the mill-race, under the shade of -a huge elm. As Mollie buried her head in -Segwuna’s bosom, the fountains of pent-up grief -broke out and Mollie wept and wept until Segwuna -pacified her by stroking her brow and sweetly -asking:</p> - -<p>“What is the matter, my loved one? Has -Segwuna offended you, sweetheart? What makes -my love so unhappy?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Segwuna, I thought that you had been -lost or killed or that something terrible had -happened to you. You never stayed away so -long before. I have been looking for you every -day, and you did not return.</p> - -<p>“Now that you have returned and you have -not changed,—you still love me?—I cry for joy. -But then, Segwuna, I have a secret to tell you, -and you must not laugh at me, for then I shall -think that you do not love me.</p> - -<p>“Do you know,” continued Mollie, “that -the day that Mr. Barclugh was here, and we were -talking at breakfast about the King’s courtiers, -I happened to repeat those lines of Shakespeare:</p> - -<p> -‘Had I but served my God with half the zeal<br /> -‘I serv’d my king, he would not in mine age<br /> -‘Have left me naked to mine enemies.’<br /> -</p> - -<p>“When I had finished these lines, the eyes of -Mr. Barclugh gazed at me, and such a light<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> -shone out of them, I have not been able to rid -myself of the look that he gave me.</p> - -<p>“Segwuna, what does it mean? I am troubled -by day in my thought and by night in my dreams.</p> - -<p>“I could not find you, my darling, to let -you know what troubled me. I have been unhappy -every minute since then.”</p> - -<p>“Well, my sweetheart,” replied Segwuna, “I -shall pray to the Great Spirit to protect you from -harm; but there can be only one interpretation -of what you have told me,—it means that Mr. -Barclugh is in love with you.”</p> - -<p>A thunderstorm had arisen from the southwest, -while the two girls were occupied in their -heart to heart communion, and the two ran into -the old mill for protection. The terrific wind -and downpour of rain shook the old mill. When -the sharp bolts of lightning and the heavy crash -of thunder seemed very near, Mollie clutched -Segwuna by the arm, and hung to her spasmodically, -as fear seemed to multiply in her already -much agitated breast.</p> - -<p>When Segwuna turned at last to leave for her -mother’s lodge, she kissed Mollie on the cheek, -and whispered gently:</p> - -<p>“Segwuna will pray to her Great Spirit to -protect her sweetheart from all harm. Good -night, darling.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIX</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Barclugh</span> took his meals regularly at the -Boar’s Head Tavern, and lived industriously -attending to his plot, and to his speculations in -privateering.</p> - -<p>He was busy organizing his bank, the capital -of which was mostly subscribed and whose -charter was drawn and placed before the Council -of Pennsylvania for legal authority to do business. -The corporation was to be known as the Bank -of North America; Thomas Milling was to be -its first President. Every detail was copied as -closely after the corporation of the Bank of England -as possible; that was Barclugh’s plan.</p> - -<p>If Barclugh had confined himself to his plot -with Arnold and to his plans in financiering, he -would have been better off. But the allurements -of commerce had also attracted his attention.</p> - -<p>Ships of all descriptions were in the stream, -awaiting a berth to load or unload. Some were -at the wharves of Milling & FitzMaurice, loading -or unloading merchandise and munitions of war. -Privateers and merchantmen, brigs and barques, -full-rigged ships and sloops,—all were a kaleidoscope -of the cosmopolitan elements of Philadelphia.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span> -The Malay, the Portuguese, the Negro, the Indian, -the Caucasian, the Creole, were all bartering and -seeking adventure on the seas. They were in a -harbor where war now offered all of the prizes -and all of the calamities of life. The calamities -claimed the greater share in the final results.</p> - -<p>Among all this motley crew lurked disease, -lust, and greed. The leaders of the enterprises -reeked in greed, the hirelings exceeded in lust, -but disease had no favorites.</p> - -<p>Diseases were cosmopolitan like the people. -Cholera from the Orient, <i>peste</i> from the West -Indies, scurvy from the Antipodes, fevers from -the ships and the camps of armies kept the city -in continuous mourning. Though disease played -the heavy role in this drama of life, still it acted -its part when least expected.</p> - -<p>Barclugh desired to buy a ship of Milling and -FitzMaurice, and send her out to the West Indies -with a cargo of flour, and return with rum and -sugar. The profits would be large. He now -had much money at command and no use for it. -He thought that a few dollars turned over for a -profit would not come amiss when he began -his career after the Colonies were turned over -to the mother country.</p> - -<p>There was a ship, the Sea Nymph, lying in -the Delaware, a prize belonging to Milling &<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> -FitzMaurice which had been bound from Havana -to London, laden with rum and molasses; but her -crew was attacked with the <i>peste</i> and inside of -a week two thirds of her men were stricken with -the disease.</p> - -<p>In this critical condition the Independence, -privateer of Milling & FitzMaurice, ran upon -the Sea Nymph, and she struck with no resistance. -Enough of the crew of the Independence who -were immune to the disease were put aboard to -take her into Philadelphia. The Sea Nymph -was a new and handsome ship. She was lying -in the stream waiting for her turn to discharge -cargo, when Barclugh learned about her, and, -although advised of the perils of the dreaded -<i>peste</i>, he offered to buy her. Barclugh’s impatience -to be doing business prevailed against his friends’ -judgment, and he went aboard of her to inspect -the ship.</p> - -<p>His weakened physical condition put him under -susceptible conditions to take the disease, and -in ten days thereafter, Roderick Barclugh was -stricken with the <i>peste</i>.</p> - -<p>However, before this event, matters had culminated -fast in Barclugh’s affairs. The tenth -day of July, 1780, had arrived, and communication -had been opened up between Barclugh and -Andre at New York. By means of a few hundred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> -pounds sterling, Barclugh had arranged to have -letters addressed to John Anderson, Esq., New -York, delivered to a boat from the Albatross, -that landed at the Swede’s fishing hut on the Little -Egg River. In return the fisherman brought -a sealed package addressed to Mr. Gustavus, -Philadelphia. Gustavus was the name of the -Swede.</p> - -<p>This line of communication was maintained -at regular intervals,—whenever a load of fish -came from Little Egg Harbor inlet, a sealed -letter was delivered to Barclugh and an answer -returned.</p> - -<p>When Roderick Barclugh fell ill, he awoke -in the early morning with terrible pains in his -back and loins. He found that he was unable -to arise, suffering intensely with a fever and pains -in his joints. His man-servant went as usual -to the door of Mr. Barclugh’s sleeping apartment -but he did not find him astir, and as he listened, he -heard slight groans. When he gently opened the -door, there was Barclugh, helpless, breathing -heavily, his eyes bulging. The only thing to -do was to bring Doctor Biddle.</p> - -<p>When Dr. Biddle arrived, a hurried examination -of pulse, eyes and tongue soon convinced -his experienced eye that the patient had the most -dreaded of diseases in the seaport of Philadelphia,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>—the -<i>peste</i>. By this time the sick man was unconscious, -and the Doctor turned to the servant -and said:</p> - -<p>“I am sorry to inform you, but this gentleman -has the <i>peste</i>. Who has charge of his affairs? -We shall have to procure him nurses and medicines.”</p> - -<p>As though a thunderbolt had come out of a -clear sky, James, the servant, stood speechless -and perfectly colorless at this announcement. -At last he regained his self-possession and said:</p> - -<p>“I will notify Mr. Milling; he knows Mr. -Barclugh best. But I can not stay here and -nurse him myself. My wife and children would -die of fright.”</p> - -<p>“But,” remarked the Doctor, “you have been -exposed.”</p> - -<p>“All right! all right! Doctor, but you see there’s -a mighty difference betwixt the nursing of it -and the staying away from it. Let these rich -men who can afford to die, be having the risks. -I will go and tell Mr. Milling.”</p> - -<p>With that he put on his hat and ran to the -office of Milling & FitzMaurice, and without -any ceremony rushed into the presence of Mr. -Milling, simply announcing:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, my master, has the <i>peste</i>.”</p> - -<p>James then rushed out of the office of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> -merchant prince, and up Front street, telling -every person that he met:</p> - -<p>“My master, Mr. Barclugh, has the <i>peste</i>.”</p> - -<p>Thus, inside of an hour, the whole town was -put in a fever of excitement. Soon the number -of cases was reported as a score; rumor had it -that every one had been exposed.</p> - -<p>At the office of Milling & FitzMaurice, a hasty -consultation was held between the partners. -The conditions under which the ship, Sea Nymph, -had come into port, and how Mr. Barclugh had -inspected her and had arranged to buy her, were -discussed. The cargo of the Sea Nymph was -in their warehouse, and no one could foretell -the consequences.</p> - -<p>During this discussion of their own affairs, -Milling & FitzMaurice did not think of Barclugh. -The Doctor waited and waited for some one to -come, but no one came to his relief. The accountant, -Mr. Hopewell, had heard the news on his -way to the office, then had gone home to consult -with his wife.</p> - -<p>At last the Doctor became worried, and leaving -his patient alone, he went to the office of Milling & -FitzMaurice.</p> - -<p>As he entered the accounting room, he walked -quietly up to Mr. Milling and said:</p> - -<p>“Sir, I sent Mr. Barclugh’s servant to tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> -you that that gentleman had the <i>peste</i>, and that -he must have nurses and attention for he is a -very sick man.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, the man did not ask us for nurses,” -contended Mr. Milling. “He simply told us -that Mr. Barclugh was sick with the <i>peste</i>, and -we had no idea that our services were needed -for a mission of that kind.”</p> - -<p>“There is no time to talk, gentlemen. Mr. -Barclugh lies unconscious with fever, and I do -not know to whom he can appeal in his distress -but your house. Good day, gentlemen, I must -be with my patient.”</p> - -<p>As soon as the Doctor had left, Mr. Milling -looked at Robert FitzMaurice as he said:</p> - -<p>“Robert, what shall we do about this? I can -not tie myself up for three weeks and be exposed -to this fever, and neither can you. Our affairs -can spare neither you nor me. Is there not some -poor devil whom we can get to nurse him? Barclugh -has plenty of money with us.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” responded FitzMaurice. “There is -Barton, he needs the money, and he owes us; -he ought to go and do this; he could then square -our account.”</p> - -<p>Barton was one of the men in the warehouse -of the firm and had a young wife and four children. -When the offer was made to him in the office of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span> -his employers, he answered:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, my life and my family are just -as dear to me as either of yours. I would not risk -my life in that service for all of your combined -wealth. My life is exactly as dear to me as to -any prince or potentate.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Milling looked at Robert FitzMaurice -with a dissatisfied air, as he followed Barton’s -footsteps and closed the door behind him, while -he said:</p> - -<p>“I believe Barclugh will be in pretty bad shape, -before we can get any one to nurse him.”</p> - -<p>In the meantime, however, the news of the -fever began to travel outside of Philadelphia. -Express messengers went on horseback to the -north and to the south, and on the way to Germantown, -the news of Barclugh’s fever reached -Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon at once notified his wife and -daughter. In less than half an hour his carriage -was ready, and he had left, prepared with delicacies -and medicines to succor a fellow being. There -was no calculation of consequences on his part.</p> - -<p>Mollie asked her father if she might accompany -him, but he explained that she could be of little -assistance, so she stood on the portico, and watched -her father’s carriage until it had reached the road -through the avenue of hemlocks.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>But no sooner had her father’s carriage vanished -through the trees, than she ran with all of her -might to the lodge of Segwuna.</p> - -<p>With eyes full of despair, she ran up to Segwuna, -and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Segwuna! Segwuna! I have just learned that -Mr. Barclugh has been stricken with the <i>peste</i>, -and father has started to go to him.</p> - -<p>“Oh! Segwuna! what shall I do? What shall -I do? I am fearful that something will happen -to him, and father would not let me go to help -nurse him,” as she burst into a fit of heart-rending -sobs and buried her head on Segwuna’s breast.</p> - -<p>“Do not weep, my sweetheart. If you cannot go, -Segwuna can go. I will go and take the medicine -that will save him. Do not fear, my dear.</p> - -<p>“Segwuna will nurse him back to you. Be -calm and let me get ready. It will not take me -long to reach his side.”</p> - -<p>Segwuna went to her mother and gave her a -few directions; in a few minutes she was ready -with a bundle of herbs, and with light step, and -the light of a guardian angel shining out of her -beautiful eyes, she and Mollie took the winding -path down to the Wingohocking, then through -the avenue of hemlocks to the highway that led -to Philadelphia.</p> - -<p>Mollie stopped at the huge gate at the roadside<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> -and kissed Segwuna thrice, as she bade her Godspeed, -and prayed silently:</p> - -<p>“That the sick one would have the protection -of Divine Providence in his affliction, and that -God would bless the efforts of her friend, Segwuna, -to lead the sick one out of the ‘valley of the shadow -of death,’ and bring him nearer to his God and -His Son, Jesus Christ.”</p> - -<p>“God bless you,” was the parting salutation -to Segwuna as Mollie stood and watched the -Indian maiden go lightly on her mission of mercy.</p> - -<p>She watched her until Segwuna was a mere -speck in the roadway, and then turned silently -to go to her bed-chamber to pray for the man, -whom she felt was dear to her, yet she could -not tell why.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXX</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Dr. Greydon reached the bedside of -Roderick Barclugh, Dr. Biddle was bathing his -patient’s hands and arms, and laboring over him -to reduce the temperature. As the two doctors -met in the sick-room, Dr. Biddle arose and quietly -addressed his friend:</p> - -<p>“Dr. Greydon, I am glad that you have come. -This gentleman is suffering from a severe wound -in the shoulder, and this fever has attacked him -in a virulent form, and unless we can reduce -the temperature, his chances are very slim for -recovery.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I am surprised to learn that he is -wounded,” replied Dr. Greydon, “but I heard -that he undertook a perilous adventure to pass -through the enemy’s lines into New York, on -a business enterprise; but where did he get this -fever? Are you sure that it is <i>vomito negro</i>?</p> - -<p>“I presume that he met with some hair-breadth -escape when he undertook to get out of New -York. How long has this paroxysm been running?” -continued Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>“Ever since early this morning,” replied Dr. -Biddle. “He was in his usual health yesterday, -his servant told me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>Dr. Greydon quietly bent over the patient, -and went through all the formalities of a medical -examination. When he had finished he looked -at Dr. Biddle and dubiously shook his head, as -he said:</p> - -<p>“Doctor, your diagnosis is correct. He certainly -has <i>vomito negro</i>, and the depressed condition -of his system from the shock that the wound -has caused, must make his case critical, very -critical.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” continued Dr. Biddle, “if we can -reduce the fever, he will have to receive careful -nursing and I have notified Milling & FitzMaurice -that they shall have to send this gentleman -a nurse, but none has come yet; and it is four -hours ago that I saw them.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, this matter must be attended to -at once,” contended Dr. Greydon, “and if you -can remain a while, I will go and try to procure -the necessary person and bring him here at once.”</p> - -<p>“That is good, Doctor,” replied Dr. Biddle. -“I can continue the bathing, and I can relieve -the congestion by bleeding.”</p> - -<p>Just as Dr. Greydon reached the street, and -was about to enter his carriage, he heard a voice -calling:</p> - -<p>“Doctor! Oh Doctor!”</p> - -<p>The Doctor turned and there was Segwuna.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>“What is it, Segwuna?” asked Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>“I have come to help nurse Mr. Barclugh.”</p> - -<p>“Are you not afraid, my child?”</p> - -<p>“Segwuna is not afraid to do her duty, Doctor.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, Segwuna,” replied Dr. Greydon. -“Then we will go in.”</p> - -<p>Leading the way to the Barclugh apartments, -Dr. Greydon conducted Segwuna to the sick-room -on the second floor, and as they entered, -the other medical man remarked:</p> - -<p>“Well, our wishes were quickly answered.”</p> - -<p>“Let me introduce Segwuna, the granddaughter -of Altamaha; she resides on our estate and she -has volunteered to help rescue the afflicted—I -know that no one could do it better,” were the -words of Dr. Greydon, as he took off his coat -and began to get ready for the care of Mr. -Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Segwuna immediately straightened out the room. -She went with Dr. Greydon through the house, -and they found a large fireplace in the kitchen -of the residence where Barclugh had his business -offices and sleeping apartments.</p> - -<p>There were a few pieces of wood so that a fire -was soon going on the hearth. Then a memorandum -of necessary articles of household utility -was made, and in a very few minutes it seemed -as though an angel had flown into the former<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span> -desolate house. As Segwuna went from room -to room, silently arranging a piece of furniture, -and opening the windows and shutters, sunshine -seemed to drive chaos away.</p> - -<p>The life that Barclugh led seemed to be wrong; -when sickness came upon him, money was mute. -There was no loving kindness ready to be shown -to him, except what came from God’s messengers. -Poor mortal! He was lying unconsciously helpless, -ignorant of the loving hands that now administered -kindnesses unto him.</p> - -<p>At the end of the day, the household was settled -down to a routine; Segwuna had medicines, -delicacies, linen and food for a long and tedious -battle with the dreaded <i>peste</i>, but better still -she had the instincts of a true nurse.</p> - -<p>The sleeping-room on the second story, being -the sick-room, she closed the shutters to let in -a minimum of light; she placed a pure white -linen cloth on the table; she kept cloths wet with -vinegar on the parched brow of the patient. -A vase of pinks that had been sent by Mollie -from Dorminghurst was tastefully placed upon -the table. In the restful moments of the sick -man, she slipped down stairs to the kitchen and -prepared a hot mustard bath for the feet, to -relieve the congestion in the brain. Wrapping -the patient in a woolen blanket, she placed his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span> -extremities in the hot bath, and then put him -between clean linen to cool his burning body.</p> - -<p>During the first twenty-four hours, the paroxysm -of the fever was intense. The temperature was -105 degrees Fahrenheit, and as Barclugh lay -suffering on his back the groans and tossing of -the sick one were heart-rending. He was only -semi-conscious most of the time, but Segwuna -never flagged in her attentions. After Dr. Biddle -had first administered a simple emetic, and then -performed the customary bleeding for the first -stages of the disease, a large dose of calomel and -subsequently a half-tumblerful of <i>oleum ricinum</i> -was administered to relieve the alimentary canal. -It was then a fight of physical endurance against -disease.</p> - -<p>However, Segwuna knew that the doctors were -groping in the dark in treating this disease, so -she felt that much depended upon her skill in -keeping down the temperature, and keeping up -the sick one’s strength, in order to stand the -ravages on his vital organs. When Barclugh -tossed and raved in his delirium, she saw that -he placed his hand upon his chest and stomach, -and she felt that the fever must be burning the -vital organs. So she prepared a hot plaster of -mustard and placed it on the pit of his stomach. -In a short time the patient seemed to get more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span> -quiet, and he rested easily until morning.</p> - -<p>The second day Dr. Greydon arrived very -early; as soon as he saw the patient, he remarked:</p> - -<p>“Well, Segwuna, how is the gentleman this -morning? I see that he is not quite as flushed -as he was yesterday. If his strength will hold -out to-day and to-morrow, we can hope to get -him up.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Dr. Greydon, Mr. Barclugh is easier -this morning, but he was very sick at midnight. -He was nervous and in great distress so I put a -mustard plaster on his stomach and it immediately -quieted him.”</p> - -<p>“You did perfectly right, Segwuna, my child. -This fever seems to attack the membranes of the -stomach, and if you apply external applications, -you draw the congestion from the vital spot.</p> - -<p>“Now, Segwuna,” continued Dr. Greydon, -“you go and rest yourself, while I remain here. -Then you will be able to stand another night’s vigil.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, I shall do so,” and Segwuna went -to the couch that she had prepared for herself -in the former dining-room, where she slept -soundly until late in the afternoon.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, Dr. Biddle came and relieved -Dr. Greydon at the bedside of Roderick Barclugh, -so that he was not a minute without constant -watching at his side.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>Between the two doctors a consultation was -held, and they both agreed that the sick man had -a fighting chance for recovery, if his constitution -could stand the wear on his stomach and heart. -No food was to be administered until the fever -was reduced, and then slight stimulants were -to be given to re-enforce the action of the heart. -Segwuna could nurse him by night, and the -two doctors agreed to divide their time during -the day with the patient.</p> - -<p>When Segwuna awoke from her sound sleep, -she made her way to the sick-room, and found -Dr. Biddle taking his temperature with his -thermometer.</p> - -<p>The temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit, -and the pulse was 95 and a glassy stare was noticeable -in the eyes of the sick man who lay there -in a condition of stupor. His face was of a -purplish-red hue, and his cheeks began to lose -that full and lively glow of health; a parched and -drawn appearance of the skin over the cheek-bones -began to be noticeable.</p> - -<p>Also during the day he had suffered a few -attacks of the <i>vomito negro</i> that taxes the strength -of the human organism to the utmost.</p> - -<p>Dr. Biddle whispered to Segwuna as she came -beside the sick-bed:</p> - -<p>“He is very sick and you better give him a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> -teaspoonful of this solution in that tumbler every -half-hour. If he can hold his own for the next -thirty-six hours, he will begin to gain. This -paroxysm of the fever usually reaches its crisis -within three days, and after that, if his strength -is sufficient to sustain vital action, his case is -hopeful. But Segwuna, it all depends on the -heart. This high temperature and this terrible -pulse! If it lasts too long, there can be no hope.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Doctor, I know that this <i>peste</i> is a very -grave disorder, and I shall not neglect your -instructions,” replied Segwuna, as Dr. Biddle -gathered up his medicine case and left.</p> - -<p>The pride and power of man vanish when -dread disease lays him low and brings him next -to dissolution!</p> - -<p>As Segwuna arranged all matters for her -night’s vigil, she suddenly turned toward Barclugh, -for, as he lay prostrate, his arms were waving -wildly in the air as he exclaimed in his delirium:</p> - -<p>“Arnold loves money! Yes, he loves money! -Yes, General Clinton, he will get West Point -from General Washington. I have offered him -twenty thousand pounds sterling, and a General’s -commission in the British army. Oh, that I -had served my God with half the zeal I served -my King. Yes, she is beautiful in her virtue. -Oh! that wound will be the death of me! Yes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span> -Risk shot me. There! There! All hands! -Steady! Lads! Aim low!</p> - -<p>“Oh say, Miss, was I talking?”</p> - -<p>“Not much, Mr. Barclugh, be calm,” replied -Segwuna, as she held the hand of the spy, and -stroked his head, as he closed his eyes and dozed -off into a semi-conscious state.</p> - -<p>These words of Barclugh in his delirium, -though disconnected, agitated Segwuna beyond -measure. She had seen Barclugh leave on the -Sloop-of-War Albatross when she spoke to him -at Paule’s Hook in the dark. She had followed -him to New York after he had visited at Dorminghurst. -She had traced him to the Beekman -House, and now she heard him in his delirium.</p> - -<p>Segwuna knew that this referred to Arnold. -She reasoned thus:</p> - -<p>“What conspiracy was this that had been -divulged to her? Must she inform Congress? -No. She had come here because she loved -Mollie Greydon, and she must save Mr. Barclugh’s -life. The Great Spirit had given her this knowledge, -and she must find out all she could about -Arnold and Mr. Barclugh. She could serve -Congress by wisely learning all she possibly could. -She must not blast Mollie’s hopes until the whole -truth is known.”</p> - -<p>The night augured badly for Barclugh. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span> -awoke from his stupor about ten o’clock, and his -eyes showed intense suffering and sadness. He -not only suffered intense physical agonies, but -when his mind regained lucidity, thoughts of his -plot with Arnold surged through his mind, and -the look of anguish on his face was most pitiable.</p> - -<p>As the hour of eleven o’clock drew near, Segwuna -noticed that the eyes of her patient glistened -more than before, and an expression of abject -helplessness came over his face. His face was -flushed perceptibly and the nervous stroking of -his stomach indicated to Segwuna that her -applications of mustard ought to be applied.</p> - -<p>After these were administered to the feet -and stomach, quietude succeeded the restless -spell and the sick man lay peacefully until Dr. -Greydon arrived in the morning. He noted a -material reduction in the patient’s temperature. -It was now down to 100 degrees, and the crisis -seemed passed; but still the lower temperature -did not indicate assurance of recovery.</p> - -<p>When the fever begins to decline a period of -low fever and depression follows. If a relapse -now occurs, the patient succumbs; but Segwuna -watched over her charge for ten days, until he -was able to sit up and partake of some solid food.</p> - -<p>During the period of calm succeeding the -paroxysm of fever, an event occurred which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span> -threw more mystery than ever around the career -of Roderick Barclugh.</p> - -<p>One morning very early before the break of -day, when not a sound disturbed the sick-room -but the tick of the clock, and an occasional ship’s -bell announcing the change of the watch, a loud -rap sounded on the front door. Segwuna was -all alone.</p> - -<p>She went to the door, and there stood a burly -Swedish fisherman whose eyes bulged in astonishment -to see a woman appear.</p> - -<p>“What do you want?” asked Segwuna sweetly.</p> - -<p>“I want to see Maister Baarkloo,” drawled -the Swede.</p> - -<p>“He is very sick with the <i>peste</i>, I do not believe -that he is able to see any one,” spoke up Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“I haf sam lettar for heem, aand I give to heem—nobodday -alse. I keep not mysalf,” argued -the Swede doggedly, as he started to come in.</p> - -<p>Segwuna stood in the doorway attempting to -block his passage, but the Swede brushed her to -one side and went straight for Barclugh’s room, -and Segwuna followed closely after him.</p> - -<p>When the Swede reached the door of the sick -man’s room, he raised his hat and tiptoed up to -the bedside of Barclugh.</p> - -<p>As he stood beside the bed he drew out of his -pocket a long sealed envelope, addressed:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center">“Mr. Gustavus,<br /> -<span class="gap2">“Philadelphia.</span></p> -<p>“From John Anderson, Esq., Merchant.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>The Swede hesitatingly looked at Barclugh and -saw him lying there and staring with a glassy -look in his eyes, unable to speak or to recognize -the Swede.</p> - -<p>The fisherman turned stolidly to Segwuna -as he said:</p> - -<p>“I do my duty. I gav to nobodday alse.” -As he said this he left the packet on the bed, -turned with a sad air, and walked out of the -house as mysteriously as he had come.</p> - -<p>Segwuna took up the envelope and examined -the address. She knew that the Swede was a -fisherman from the New Jersey coast. She -had seen Roderick Barclugh walk to the sloop -of war at Paules’ Hook with Major Andre, and -she had seen them both leave General Clinton’s -house together.</p> - -<p>She found Roderick Barclugh in Philadelphia, -when she returned from New York. He could -not reach here by the sloop-of-war, so he must -have landed on the coast and have been brought -here by the fisherman. As these thoughts ran -through her mind, she exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“I have found it! The letter has traveled -the same course, and John Anderson is John<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span> -Andre.”</p> - -<p>What this shrewd woman could fathom out of -the statements in Barclugh’s delirium and what -she had seen in New York, was that Arnold -was to go over to the British. If Arnold got -West Point, she could put two and two together -and connect him with the twenty thousand pounds -sterling and the General’s commission in the British -army.</p> - -<p>Segwuna reasoned to herself as she watched -the sick man, and thought of what she ought -to do:</p> - -<p>“I have the clew to this poor man’s secret. -His villainy must be stopped. I shall not leave -one stone unturned to fathom his plans. This -letter contains important facts. I shall deliver -it when he recovers and watch my opportunity -to learn its contents after he has broken the seal -himself. Any other course would arouse his -suspicions.”</p> - -<p>So she took the letter and placed it in the drawer -of an escritoire and resolved to deliver it as soon -as Roderick Barclugh regained enough strength -to read it.</p> - -<p>When the episode of the letter delivered by -the Swede had been well considered, Segwuna -reasoned to herself again:</p> - -<p>“I must not arouse the suspicions of Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span> -Barclugh. If I let him go on he will weave a net -to entrap himself.”</p> - -<p>Later, Segwuna was enabled to learn the contents -of the secret correspondence after it had -been given to Barclugh, who was too feeble and -too sick to think that the simple Indian maiden -was interested in his affairs.</p> - -<p>At the end of two weeks, Roderick Barclugh -was strong enough to be moved from his quarters. -Consequently, after a most thorough destruction -and cleansing of his effects, Dr. Greydon insisted -upon taking Roderick Barclugh to Dorminghurst -to recuperate his depleted body.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Barclugh,</span> a mere shadow of his former self, -was driven in the carriage of Dr. Greydon to -Dorminghurst. As he passed along Front Street -and up Market Street, he was saluted by General -Arnold who smiled graciously to see his friend -convalescing and out of doors.</p> - -<p>When Dorminghurst was reached, there could -be no mistaking the evident gratitude in Barclugh’s -wan features as he saw Mollie rush out of the -door and down to the carriage, extending both -of her hands to him, as she said:</p> - -<p>“How glad we are to see you with us again, -Mr. Barclugh! I know that you will get strong -very soon.”</p> - -<p>“How kind of you to greet me so cordially, -Miss Greydon. I owe my being here to-day -to your esteemed father and to Segwuna,” replied -Barclugh soberly as he arose with difficulty and -got out of the carriage with the assistance of -Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon walked with Barclugh and assisted -his feeble footsteps to the bright and airy room -overlooking the Wingohocking.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Greydon greeted him on the portico<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span> -with such kindly words of welcome, and the black -servants stood looking on with such respectful -silence, that Barclugh could not help but wonder -if it were not his own mother in his own home who -was now greeting him.</p> - -<p>The Doctor soon made him lie down on the -snowy white bed, and ordered an egg-nog for his -refreshment.</p> - -<p>Sentiments of the tenderest feelings welled -up in his breast upon the receipt of such hospitality, -and he murmured to himself as he lay on his -bed, peacefully resting:</p> - -<p>“This kindness to me passeth all understanding. -How shall I ever express my gratitude and return -this compliment that has been paid me? No, I -never expected such treatment as this from -the hands of those whose cause I am endeavoring -to defeat. Well, my turn will come, and then I -shall show them my breeding.”</p> - -<p>For the next few days Dr. Greydon would not -allow Roderick Barclugh to move out of his bed, -for his strength was not enough yet to allow -very much exertion; but the new surroundings, -and especially the beautiful presence of Mollie -Greydon, were an inspiration to him.</p> - -<p>Mollie took a lively interest in the welfare -of her father’s guest and patient. Every morning -she brought a fresh bouquet of the brightest flowers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span> -from the garden and placed them in the sick-room -herself; then in the afternoon, she brought -her Latin works along with her, and read selections -to him.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_332fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">She noticed how longingly he watched her depart.</p> - -<p>In the sweet modulations of her voice, Barclugh -found repose as he lay on his bed,—weak and -emaciated. His strength was not enough to allow -him to converse at much length, so that after -Mollie had read these classics to him, his heart -throbbed with tender emotions and the words -that left his lips when she had finished:</p> - -<p>“I thank you, Miss Greydon,” had the pathos -of a heart full of gratitude.</p> - -<p>As he lay with mind so clear but his body -so weak, he often dreamed to himself:</p> - -<p>“Oh! if my God will only restore me to my full -powers again, I shall live only to be worthy of the -love of Mollie Greydon. She must be all that -is worth living for,—beauty, grace and loving -kindness.”</p> - -<p>Each day as Mollie brought the fresh flowers -to the sick-room, and on each occasion that she -read to the sick, she noticed how longingly he -watched her depart, and how he beamed with -joy whenever she entered his sick-chamber to -read some well-chosen classic.</p> - -<p>In the course of a week, Roderick Barclugh -began to recover his appetite, and at the end<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span> -of two weeks, he was strong enough to ride out -in the carriage with Mollie and the Doctor.</p> - -<p>The three would drive in the morning and in -the latter part of the afternoon as far as Germantown, -and along the banks of the Delaware.</p> - -<p>These drives greatly benefited Barclugh’s -health; he had also a most excellent opportunity -to get acquainted with the one who was the desire -of his heart.</p> - -<p>One day as they drove toward Philadelphia -they met Segwuna. Nothing would satisfy Mollie -unless she rode with them.</p> - -<p>Mollie made room for her on the seat in the -carriage that faced Dr. Greydon and Mr. Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think that our patient looks much -improved, Segwuna?” queried Dr. Greydon, good-naturedly, -as the carriage rolled along the highway.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Dr. Greydon,” answered Segwuna, uncomfortably, -as she sat looking vacantly into -the carriage top.</p> - -<p>The others attempted to be gay, but Segwuna’s -presence cast a gloom over the ride; she neither -smiled nor talked except in monosyllables.</p> - -<p>“Have you learned anything of importance -to-day in the city, about our affairs of war, -Segwuna?” cheerily asked Mollie, turning to the -Indian maiden with her happiest smile.</p> - -<p>“Nothing, Miss Greydon, except what traitors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span> -would be interested in,” spoke out Segwuna, -sternly.</p> - -<p>At the mention of the word “traitor,” Segwuna -looked straight at Roderick Barclugh, and she -noticed a twitching of his lips and a visible blush -mounting his neck and ears.</p> - -<p>To allay any possible attention to himself, -Barclugh now entered into lively conversation -with Dr. Greydon and Miss Mollie, and utterly -ignored Segwuna, who sat stolidly in a brown -study during the rest of the carriage ride.</p> - -<p>“Dr. Greydon,” began Barclugh spiritedly, -“I am much interested in the agriculture of the -Colonies. There seems to be a wonderful fertility -to the soil, for a settler can go upon land with no -capital but his hands and a yoke of oxen, and -inside of a year have a comfortable plantation -established. How can it be done? I do not -understand it.”</p> - -<p>“The soil is rich in the first place,” replied -Dr. Greydon; “then our American products of -Indian corn and potatoes provide abundance -for man and animals, so that there is no difficulty -in subsistence. The natural meadow and the -grasses of the woods provide for sleek cattle -and horses; then the abundance of wild pigeons, -ducks, and turkeys and the fish of the rivers -and lakes also provide food; the hides of the deer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span> -bear, coons and squirrel provide raiment and -robes. There is no reason for man to suffer in -this wonderfully prosperous country, if he be -industrious,” argued Dr. Greydon, with much -satisfaction to himself, but evidently to the discomfiture -of Barclugh, for he remarked:</p> - -<p>“This is all so strange to me. I cannot understand -how the settlements start up like mushrooms -in the wilderness.”</p> - -<p>“It is the promise of the Great Spirit,” contributed -Segwuna. “But our soil must be forever -free from the tyranny of kings and potentates, -or the corn would not grow and the potatoes would -wither and a famine would devastate the land.”</p> - -<p>“Segwuna is our prophetess, Mr. Barclugh,” -declared Mollie, exultingly, “and we all love her -dearly,” continued Mollie, as she turned to -Segwuna, and putting her arms around her neck, -kissed her.</p> - -<p>Barclugh did not relish the affection that Mollie -showed for Segwuna, so he remarked emphatically:</p> - -<p>“We cannot rely on superstition, Miss Greydon.”</p> - -<p>The latent fire of the Indian character gleamed -in Segwuna’s eyes, and she longed in her heart -to wither Roderick Barclugh, but the time was -not ripe. Segwuna simply kept silent and abided -her time.</p> - -<p>After the carriage had arrived at Dorminghurst,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span> -Dr. Greydon and Barclugh sat upon the portico -and conversed upon sundry subjects while Mollie -and Segwuna strolled off together toward Segwuna’s -lodge, Mollie remarked:</p> - -<p>“Something has made you unhappy, Segwuna. -What has happened to you?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, nothing, my sweetheart. Your Segwuna’s -heart bleeds for her country’s welfare, and I can -see that something is to happen during the next -moon that will make us all unhappy; but your -Segwuna can not tell her sweetheart now. It -might make me wish that I had not spoken about -it, if it should not happen.</p> - -<p>“I wish that my dearest one would excuse -Segwuna and let her go to her lodge, and pray -to her Manitou to clear her sky and bring happiness -to her spirit, for her heart is very sad to-day,—very -sad to-day,” repeated Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, my loved one,” replied Mollie. -“Your Mollie loves you and knows how pure -and noble her Segwuna is. Good night, dearest. -Good night,” were the parting words of Mollie -Greydon, as she kissed Segwuna, and left her to -return to the mansion.</p> - -<p>While the two were strolling on the winding -path, Roderick Barclugh and Dr. Greydon sat -on the portico and conversed freely. Barclugh -resolved to confess the longings of his heart before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span> -his departure, as he knew that he must soon leave -Dorminghurst.</p> - -<p>He opened the difficult subject by saying:</p> - -<p>“Dr. Greydon, I have now been a guest at -your house for two weeks, and under trying -circumstances to your household. I feel that -I owe my life to your tender care and solicitation. -My father could do no more for me; but I hope -that you will not consider I am presuming on -your good nature, when I unfold to you an affair -of my heart; and ask of you one of the greatest -favors that one man can bestow upon another.</p> - -<p>“Dr. Greydon,” continued Barclugh, “ever -since I first met your daughter, I have esteemed -her as one of the most talented and beautiful -women in this country, and since I first was a -guest in your home, I have learned to love her; -I ask you to give her to me for my wife. My -position and means and prospects warrant me -in making this request and I hope that I may -deserve the great honor that I ask you to confer -upon me.”</p> - -<p>After a moment of silent reflection, Dr. Greydon -replied most reverently and in the peculiar language -of his Quaker persuasion, which he used -only on occasions of great emotion:</p> - -<p>“Thou hast been good enough for me to invite -thee to my home. If I had not thought thee<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span> -good enough to be my son, thou shouldst not -have been my guest; but my daughter must give -thee her own consent before thou canst have -mine.”</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of these solemn injunctions, -Barclugh arose, silently shook the hand of Dr. -Greydon and retired to his bed-chamber for -meditation.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">During</span> the evening after Barclugh had asked -the consent of Dr. Greydon, an air of expectancy -pervaded all except Mollie. Dr. Greydon had -told his wife about Barclugh’s request and she -realized the importance of this day to her darling -daughter, who was one of the flowers of the earth -in her sight.</p> - -<p>A mother rejoices in the proper selection of -a husband by her daughter, and Mrs. Greydon, -one of those good, wholesome souls, believed in -whatever her husband proposed, so that when -the Doctor informed his wife of Barclugh’s -intentions, she simply said:</p> - -<p>“Thou knowest best what is right, William;” -and was satisfied to rest on his wisdom.</p> - -<p>Mollie was utterly oblivious to the ordeal -in store for her on this particular evening. She -was more witchy and poked more lively sallies -at Barclugh during the dinner than she ever -had before on any one occasion, but Barclugh -blushed and took the pleasantries good-naturedly. -Yet Mollie noticed that she was doing most of -the talking, and wondered to herself why everybody -was so sober and she so lively. Nevertheless,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span> -her buoyancy of spirits could not be downed and -she continued her play of wit and humor throughout -the dinner.</p> - -<p>When the dinner was finished, Mollie said:</p> - -<p>“I have the prettiest ode of Horace that I -was translating before dinner, and I must have -papa and mamma and you, Mr. Barclugh, come -to the library and I will read it to you.”</p> - -<p>So Barclugh offered Mollie his arm, and Dr. -Greydon his to his wife, and the four went up -the great staircase to the library.</p> - -<p>Mollie went to the book-shelves, while the others -seated themselves on the carved oak settles, facing -each other before the great fireplace. Mollie -took the edition of Horace and seated herself -at the head of the large library table and began -to read:</p> - -<p class="center">INTACTIS OPULENTIOR</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Though India’s virgin mine,</div> -<div class="verse">And wealth of Araby be thine;</div> -<div class="verse">Though thy wave-circled palaces</div> -<div class="verse">Usurp the Tyrrhene and Apulian seas,</div> -<div class="verse">When on thy devoted head</div> -<div class="verse">The iron hand of Fate has laid</div> -<div class="verse">The symbols of eternal doom,</div> -<div class="verse">What power shall loose the fetters of the dead?</div> -<div class="verse">What hope dispel the terrors of the tomb?</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span> - -<div class="first">“Happy the nomad tribes whose wains</div> -<div class="verse">Drag their rude huts o’er Scythian plains;</div> -<div class="verse">Happier the Gaetan horde</div> -<div class="verse">To whom unmeasured fields afford</div> -<div class="verse">Abundant harvests, pastures free:</div> -<div class="verse">For one short year they toil,</div> -<div class="verse">Then claim once more their liberty,</div> -<div class="verse">And yield to other hands the unexhausted soil.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“The tender-hearted stepdame there</div> -<div class="verse">Nurtures with all a mother’s care</div> -<div class="verse">The orphan babe: no wealthy bride</div> -<div class="verse">Insults her lord, or yields her heart</div> -<div class="verse">To the sleek suitor’s glozing art.</div> -<div class="verse">The maiden’s dower is purity,</div> -<div class="verse">Her parent’s worth, her womanly pride,</div> -<div class="verse">To hate the sin, to scorn the lie,</div> -<div class="verse">Chastely to live, or, if dishonored, die.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Breathes there a patriot, brave and strong,</div> -<div class="verse">Would right his erring country’s wrong,</div> -<div class="verse">Would heal her wounds and quell her rage?</div> -<div class="verse">Let him, with noble daring, first</div> -<div class="verse">Curb Faction’s tyranny accurst,</div> -<div class="verse">So may some future age</div> -<div class="verse">Grave on his bust with pious hand,</div> -<div class="verse">The Father of his Native Land,</div> -<div class="indent2">Virtue yet living we despise,</div> -<div class="indent2">Adore it, lost and vanished from our eyes.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span> - -<div class="indent4">“Cease idle wail!</div> -<div class="verse">The sin unpunished, what can sighs avail?</div> -<div class="verse">How weak the laws by man ordained</div> -<div class="verse">If Virtue’s law be unsustained.</div> -<div class="verse">A second sin is thine. The sand</div> -<div class="verse">Of Araby, Gaetulia’s sun-scorched land;</div> -<div class="verse">The desolate regions of Hyperborean ice,</div> -<div class="verse">Call with one voice to wrinkled Avarice:</div> -<div class="verse">He hears; he feels no toil, nor sword, nor sea,</div> -<div class="verse">Shrinks from no disgrace but virtuous poverty.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Forth! ’mid a shouting nation bring</div> -<div class="verse">Thy precious gems, thy wealth untold;</div> -<div class="verse">Into the seas or temple fling</div> -<div class="verse">Thy vile unprofitable gold.</div> -<div class="verse">Roman, repent, and from within</div> -<div class="verse">Eradicate thy darling sin;</div> -<div class="verse">Repent, and from thy bosom tear</div> -<div class="verse">The sordid shame that festers there.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Bid thy degenerate sons to learn</div> -<div class="verse">In rougher schools a lesson stern.</div> -<div class="verse">The high-born youth, mature in vice,</div> -<div class="verse">Pursues his vain and reckless course,</div> -<div class="verse">Rolls the Greek hoop, or throws the dice,</div> -<div class="verse">But shuns and dreads the horse.</div> -<div class="verse">His perjured sire, with jealous care,</div> -<div class="verse">Heaps riches for his worthless heir,</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span> - -<div class="first">“Despised, disgraced, supremely blest,</div> -<div class="verse">Cheating his partner, friend, and guest,</div> -<div class="verse">Uncounted stores his bursting coffers fill;</div> -<div class="verse">But something unpossessed is ever wanting still.”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>At the conclusion of the ode, Dr. Greydon -remarked:</p> - -<p>“Mollie, there is much wisdom in our Latin -poets. Simplicity and virtuous lives are the -safeguards of nations. When Horace sang, the -Roman people began to feel the dangers of wealth -and riotous living; may our own country escape -these baneful influences.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Greydon looked at her daughter with -loving eyes when she had finished her translation, -and turning to Mr. Barclugh, said as she arose -to leave the young people to themselves:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, we take much pleasure in our -Mollie’s preaching. We hope that she will not -bore you.</p> - -<p>“You will pardon the Doctor and me for -retiring so soon, but we have many duties to -perform.”</p> - -<p>The Doctor and Mrs. Greydon then left the -library to allow the young people to have their -own conversation.</p> - -<p>When Dr. and Mrs. Greydon had left Roderick -Barclugh and their daughter to their fates, Barclugh<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span> -sat on the settle with his arms folded on his -breast, and looking squarely at Mollie Greydon, -ventured the words that were burning within -his heart:</p> - -<p>“Miss Greydon, I wish to address you on a -subject that is most dear to my life. I——”</p> - -<p>“Why, Mr. Barclugh, what is it that you mean?” -interrupted Mollie as she put down her book.</p> - -<p>“Miss Greydon, I believe that I could recover -my former health more quickly if I could settle -one thing in my mind,” continued Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“I am sure that if there is anything to be done -you ought to do so at once, Mr. Barclugh, for you -have been a very ill man,” returned Mollie, as -she looked at him and saw that peculiar expression -that she had noticed in his eyes when he sat -opposite her at the breakfast table two months -before.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh now looked at Mollie, -who instantly felt that some great ordeal was -impending. He arose and took Mollie’s hands -in both of his as he knelt at her side, and pleaded:</p> - -<p>“Miss Greydon, I have loved you since that -day I first met you at your father’s table. My -life is a void without your presence at my side. -Will you be my wife?” he asked as he took Mollie’s -hand and pressed it to his lips.</p> - -<p>Mollie sat in her chair as though she were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span> -fashioned from marble. Her beautiful face was -transfixed away from Barclugh, and her gaze -was that of a frightened fawn. She could not -answer.</p> - -<p>At length Barclugh pleaded:</p> - -<p>“Speak! Mollie, speak! My heart and my -life go out to you with sincerity and love! Will -you consent to be my bride, and make me the most -favored man on earth?”</p> - -<p>Mollie arose and went to the other end of the -library table, and looking at her lover said:</p> - -<p>“It is impossible that you could love me, -Mr. Barclugh. I am a Quakeress.”</p> - -<p>“That matters not, my dear Mollie. I have -learned that God’s loving kindness resides within -the hearts of your people. I was saved from an -untimely death by the love and kindness of your -dear father, and I know that you had no less -to do with it than he. So I feel that I am the one -to be unworthy of any affection that your heart -possesses,” contended Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“I am highly complimented, Mr. Barclugh, -by your kindly and unexpected attentions to me, -but I feel so unable to render any one happy that -I could not answer you at once. I must have -time for meditation and consultation with my -parents.”</p> - -<p>“There is no reason, dearest, why you ought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span> -not to have time. If you will only consent to -consider my love, so that I shall have an opportunity -to prove my worthiness, I shall be more than -happy. Promise me this much, Mollie. I shall -then have a chance to show you how much I -love you?” pleaded Barclugh passionately.</p> - -<p>Mollie sat down at the end of the table, buried -her face in her arms and began to sob and weep -pitifully, and Barclugh stood disconsolately at -the other end of the table.</p> - -<p>At length Barclugh went to the end of the table -where Mollie sat, and taking her hand in his, -he knelt at her side, and pleaded earnestly:</p> - -<p>“Mollie, will you satisfy the longing of my -heart by promising me that you will answer me -in a month? Just give me a ray of hope, that -I may live for your sake. Mollie, just promise -me, just promise.”</p> - -<p>Between the sobs that fairly tore the heart’s -moorings of Barclugh, Mollie replied, feebly:</p> - -<p>“In a month, Mr. Barclugh.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh then took her hand and kissed it -until he was beside himself; then he arose and -left Mollie alone in the library.</p> - -<p>He resolved to go to his own lodgings the -next morning, determined to win his loved one -by the ardor of his attentions.</p> - -<p>Mollie’s supersensitive mind was overcome<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span> -by the appalling nature of the question that -was made to her; and she thought how unworthy -she was to make another mortal happy for a lifetime. -She needed the guidance of reflection and -the help of prayer to the All-wise Being that -cares for the most humble of His creatures.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Barclugh arrived at his office on the -day that he departed from Dorminghurst, Benedict -Arnold was there.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon had left his guest at the door and -before entering his carriage, shook Barclugh -heartily by the hand, as he said:</p> - -<p>“Thou hast my blessing, my friend, and may -our happiness always continue as bright as it -has been in the past fortnight.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh was so overcome by the sincerity -of his former host and benefactor that he was -visibly affected when he replied:</p> - -<p>“I thank you sincerely, Dr. Greydon, for all -that you have done for me. I owe my life to -your attentions.</p> - -<p>“Give my love to Miss Mollie,” were the parting -words of Roderick Barclugh, as he turned to -enter upon the sterner duties of his business.</p> - -<p>Greeting Arnold by the salutation: “Good -morning, General,” Barclugh walked into his -private office, followed by Arnold who shut the -door behind them.</p> - -<p>“I am delighted to see you so well, Mr. Barclugh,” -began Arnold. “It does seem more than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span> -four weeks since you were taken ill.</p> - -<p>“But I have good news for you, Mr. Barclugh. -My commission as commander of West Point -has been promised. I have seen the Commander-in-Chief -personally.</p> - -<p>“I shall move my headquarters there this week. -Now all that we need to do is to arrange the details -of the surrender when I get there.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” interrupted Barclugh. “I -can communicate with you and forward your -correspondence through our old channel until -you wish to arrange the details, when you can -plan to meet Major Andre and make out a plan -of attack and surrender.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it, that’s it, there need be no hurry -until I get on the ground and fix things,” continued -Arnold enthusiastically. “But Mr. Barclugh, -before I can decently leave this town, I must -settle all my household debts. So, if you can -favor me with five hundred pounds to-day, I shall -be pleased. I will simply consider it as an -advance in the total amount. I need it for -expenses, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, certainly, General Arnold, you -must get away as soon and as decently as possible,” -replied Barclugh, going to the iron safe on the -other side of the office to get the money.</p> - -<p>When General Arnold had received the money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span> -and arose to depart, he smiled significantly to -Barclugh, as he remarked:</p> - -<p>“I am feeling like my old self once more. -My fighting blood is up. No use talking, the -sinews of war put the nerve in a man.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry to go at once, Mr. Barclugh, -but my duties are pressing, and I must close -up my affairs here at the earliest possible moment. -Good day, Mr. Barclugh. I feel very grateful -for your assistance,” concluded Arnold as he -left Barclugh’s office.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh called his clerk into his -private office, as soon as General Arnold departed, -to give his orders:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hopewell, you may see Messrs. Milling & -FitzMaurice and close all of my privateering -and other accounts with them except the Bank -of North America matter. Tell them that my -illness has necessitated my giving up everything -except the banking business, which shall now -receive my exclusive attention.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Mr. Barclugh,” answered the -faithful clerk, as he proceeded to carry out these -injunctions.</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh now had accomplished the -purposes for which his dealings with Milling & -FitzMaurice had been started. He had used -this channel to ensnare Arnold and to procure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span> -an introduction to the leaders of society in Philadelphia, -Tory and Whig, alike.</p> - -<p>But there was only one question, if he were -to withdraw his whole account from Milling & -FitzMaurice, they might be embarrassed. Having -planned to put this amount into the bank, -he could let it lie in their hands, as a loan, until -the bank was established.</p> - -<p>General Clinton must now be advised of the -turn of affairs, so Barclugh busied himself at -the task of writing a complete history of the -transactions since the beginning of his illness and -despatched the letters by the Little Egg Harbor -inlet route.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXIV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> Segwuna read the letters of John Anderson -that had been brought from New York by -the Swedish fisherman, she could not bear the -sight of Roderick Barclugh. The thought of -Mollie Greydon ever loving this man who was -visiting General Clinton and Major Andre, and -conspiring with General Arnold and at the -same time visiting the Greydon family, was -repulsive to her. She did not yet possess knowledge -positive enough about Barclugh to inform -Mollie of its nature; nor did she yet really know -that Mollie was in love with Mr. Barclugh. Still -she fully intended to devote her attentions to -this conspiracy and expose its operations, if -possible.</p> - -<p>As Segwuna lay on her couch of mats in her -mother’s lodge, on the day that she had been -invited to ride in the carriage with Mollie and -Mr. Barclugh, she went over and over again all -that she had learned:</p> - -<p>“I first saw Mr. Barclugh after Mollie had -met him at the dinner party given by Robert -FitzMaurice. Every day that I went to Philadelphia -I found Mr. Barclugh at the office of Milling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span> -& FitzMaurice or at General Arnold’s. In -watching him I followed him to the office of -General Arnold on the night before he visited -Dorminghurst. I learned that he was going -to New York to visit General Clinton and get -a commission for General Arnold in the British -army if Arnold turned over West Point. The next -morning he stopped at Dorminghurst and visited -my friends. I could not inform any one of what -I knew for fear of implicating my friends, for -I did not know what the relations were between -Dr. Greydon and Mr. Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Now, it is all clear to me. Dr. Greydon does -not know anything about Mr. Barclugh’s business. -Mr. Barclugh pretends to favor independence, -but he is striving to overthrow it. When I -followed him to New York, I suspected more; -when I heard his exclamations in the delirium -of fever, I was convinced. The letters brought -by the fisherman have shown that he is in communication -with the English.</p> - -<p>“Segwuna must not rest night nor day until -this spy is foiled in his designs; if I should inform -anybody, suspicion might fall upon my friends -at Dorminghurst who have befriended Mr. Barclugh -and saved his life. That course would never -do, so the duty falls upon Segwuna alone to -overthrow the spy’s work and save her friends!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span>She set about her task of thwarting Barclugh -with much zeal. She walked to Philadelphia -and went immediately to Front Street near -Barclugh’s lodgings. The first thing that met -her eyes was the departure of General Arnold -from the office of the British agent.</p> - -<p>Segwuna kept her own counsel, but she was -alert and active. She went to the Halls of Congress -and watched for any news that might be -of importance to her task. She heard Mr. -Livingston talking to General Schuyler about -West Point, so she stopped to listen.</p> - -<p>The conversation was about the report of the -committee on army affairs, and Mr. Livingston -stopped General Schuyler in front of Carpenter’s -Hall.</p> - -<p>“General Schuyler, have you done anything -on your committee about Arnold’s assignment?” -asked Mr. Livingston. “I have written to the -Commander-in-Chief and asked him to assign -Arnold to West Point. His wounded knee will -not allow him to ride a horse and that fact unfits -him for active service in the field.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, you are right, Mr. Livingston,” replied -General Schuyler, “Arnold is a valuable man. -The soldiers admire him. We will assign him -to post duty and recommend giving him -West Point, if he declines to take the field. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span> -Commander-in-Chief wishes him to be active -in the coming campaign, but if Arnold insists -upon garrison duty, he may get whatever he -wishes.”</p> - -<p>This settled the matter in the mind of Segwuna, -for she knew that Arnold desired West Point. -Now Segwuna must determine what she ought -to do to keep her eyes on Arnold and Barclugh -at the same time. She learned from the fish-vender, -Sven Svenson, another point that put -her on her guard.</p> - -<p>Sven was ambling along Market Street with -his fish cart, when Segwuna stopped him and said:</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Sven, what is the news in -town?”</p> - -<p>“Val, I hap gude news, Miss Segwuna; Ganral -Arnold has pade me up tan pound starling an’ -sax pance,” answered Sven as he showed the -guineas and smiled blandly at Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“He vas going to da army to vark. I gass he -vaants Vast Point. My saster who varks for -Mistrees Arnold, she tald mee so mach.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think that he will get it, Sven?” asked -Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“Ah! He gats vat he vants,” retorted Sven, -smiling more than ever.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Sven,” replied Segwuna knowingly, -as she started on up the street.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span>Philadelphia’s streets contained little knots of -men and women discussing the latest news, -and everybody had it on his tongue that General -Arnold was about to leave town, and no one was -sorry, for his cold and overbearing manners -had disgusted even his friends with him.</p> - -<p>His extravagance and debts had brought unsavory -gossip upon himself and household. As -Segwuna went through the market-place where -two old women,—seasoned gossips of the town,—stood -and regaled each other, she paused to hear -their chatter:</p> - -<p>“Have you heard about General Arnold and -his spouse?” quizzed the first.</p> - -<p>“What? About paying off his debts?” questioned -the second.</p> - -<p>“I wonder where he got the money? I heard -that he sold merchandise to the enemy,” continued -the first one.</p> - -<p>“No, he went to Connecticut last month and -has just returned. He must have had property -there and sold it,” argued the second one.</p> - -<p>“Have you heard what they named their boy?”</p> - -<p>“No, what is it?”</p> - -<p>“It’s Edward Shippen.”</p> - -<p>“What? That old Tory?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s it. Those Shippens have turned -Ben Arnold’s head. He’s not the same since he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span> -became mixed up with that lot.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Ben Arnold used to be a fine soldier -before he knew those Shippens. Now he doesn’t -want to fight, he wants to lie around and play -the dandy.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I heard that General Washington wanted -him to join the army, but his wife is afraid that -he will be shot. That’s a pretty pass. I wonder -if she’s better than any of the rest of us? We -have husbands and sons fighting.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder where they will put him? I heard -that he wanted to go to West Point.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if I were General Washington, I wouldn’t -do anything like that. There must be some -fire where there is so much smoke. He doesn’t -want West Point for any good purpose.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I believe Ben Arnold is all right at heart -if those Shippens didn’t have a noose around -his neck.”</p> - -<p>“Poor man! I feel sorry for him.”</p> - -<p>“But, do you know that I started to go to -market, and here I am talking yet.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s my case too, I must go.”</p> - -<p>“Come over to see me.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I will.”</p> - -<p>“Good-bye.”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Segwuna came into Philadelphia every few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span> -days. She kept close watch on the movements -of General Arnold. She knew that as soon as -he got stationed at West Point, matters would -begin to move between him and Major Andre. -Accordingly, she learned when Arnold left Philadelphia. -She also heard about ten days thereafter -that he had taken command at West Point, -August 3.</p> - -<p>There was nothing for Segwuna to do when -she had learned that Arnold was stationed at -West Point except to be on the ground where -she knew the dealings between Arnold and Andre -would take place. The next move that she -made was to get her affairs at home all arranged, -and tell her mother that she was going to New -York.</p> - -<p>She could meet Major Andre and advise him -against his plot. If that plan failed, she could -make her way to General Washington and advise -him of the advance of the British troops. Thus -her friends would have no suspicions cast upon -them for their intimacy with Barclugh. Then -when the plot had been foiled, she could return -to Philadelphia and advise Dr. Greydon about -Barclugh’s participation in the plot.</p> - -<p>Mollie Greydon was sitting on the portico -at Dorminghurst just after a visit from Mr. -Barclugh one warm afternoon in the latter part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span> -of August. She had just been receiving the most -marked attentions from her lover. He never -missed paying his respects to her at least three -or four times a week.</p> - -<p>On this afternoon, Segwuna came tripping -down the avenue of hemlocks, and before she -got to the portico, Mollie put down her needle-work, -and ran to greet her.</p> - -<p>“Why, Segwuna,” she said, “you have been -so mysterious of late, I have not seen you for over -two weeks. What has been the matter? I -have something to tell you, my dear.”</p> - -<p>“I have come, my sweetheart, to tell you that -Segwuna is going away.”</p> - -<p>“Going away?” cried Mollie. “What for?”</p> - -<p>“I am going to New York for General Washington,” -replied Segwuna. “His enemies are -conspiring to defeat his plans and Segwuna’s -duty calls her to go. I have studied out what -my duty is and I have worked to get ready to -go now. But before I go, I thought that I would -come and tell you.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_360fp.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">Mollie put down her needle-work and ran to meet her.</p> - -<p>“You must not let any one know where I am -going, not even your father,” cautioned Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“Very well, Segwuna. Now I must tell you a -secret of mine,” returned Mollie. “Do you -know, Mr. Barclugh has asked me to marry him?”</p> - -<p>“Have you promised him?” demanded Segwuna<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span> -impulsively, as her face became the picture of -solicitude.</p> - - - -<p>“Why do you look so eager and ask me that -question?” asked Mollie impatiently.</p> - -<p>“But tell me, have you promised? If you -have, I know that you would have told me,” -argued Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“No, I have not promised. I asked a month -to consider.</p> - -<p>“I also wish to learn about his family and -his business. I believe that he loves me, and I -believe that I could love him. He is so handsome, -and a perfect gentleman,” continued Mollie.</p> - -<p>“Very true, my dear Mollie. I know that he -loves you. He may be very rich too, but you -must know all about his business. He has been -in Philadelphia less than a year. He was introduced -by Benjamin Franklin, but his business -is unsettled. Privateering is very precarious,” -argued Segwuna.</p> - -<p>“Now, my dear Mollie, Segwuna’s life is devoted -to yours. Promise me just one thing. Do not -give your consent until Segwuna returns. If -you promise him in this moon, your life may -be unhappy. Wait until the next moon and -everything will be clear.”</p> - -<p>“I believe that your advice is good. I must -be certain that he loves me and that I could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span> -make him happy, before I consent. Because, -when I once promise, my lot is cast,” reasoned -Mollie, as Segwuna kissed her, and walked -sprightly down the avenue of hemlocks.</p> - -<p>Mollie was resigned to wait. The wisdom of -the Quaker character was sufficiently grounded -in her to cause her to be sure of her step before -she made one, and there were so many things -to be considered before she could promise.</p> - -<p>Segwuna looked a perfect picture of nobility -of character this evening, when she left Mollie -at Dorminghurst. Her tall, lithe figure and -elastic step, her dark hair hanging in a braid -upon her back, her long, oval face, firm mouth, -deep-set eyes, aquiline nose, bare head and olive -complexion combined to produce a distinguished -presence. Her dress consisted of a tunic of buckskin, -a short skirt, leggings and moccasins of -the same material. She wore no ornaments -and the only thing that encumbered her on -her journey was a bag or knapsack made of -fine buckskin suspended on her back by means -of a strap over her shoulders and breast.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXV</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Barclugh</span> grew impatient and chafed under -the uncertainties of his position. He had restricted -all of his business since his illness to the -plot with Arnold and to the establishment of a -bank among the merchants. Arnold was now -at West Point and had been joined by his wife. -The latest despatch that Barclugh had in Philadelphia -from Andre was that negotiations had -been opened up with Arnold and that he expected -to have the whole matter consummated within -a week.</p> - -<p>In spite of the apparent serenity of his affairs, -he paced the floor by day and tossed in his bed -at night. The thoughts of Mollie Greydon’s -demeanor of late disturbed him.</p> - -<p>“She does not enter into conversation with -her former frankness and abandon. There must -be some restraining influence at work. I must -have this uncertainty off my mind. I shall go -to her to-morrow and have my mind clear about -her love for me. Her time of a month for the -consideration of my proposal will be up in a week, -but I cannot postpone this longer. I must -settle the matter to-morrow.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span>On the day succeeding his resolution, Barclugh -went to Dorminghurst early in the afternoon and -invited Mollie to accompany him on a horseback -ride to the Delaware.</p> - -<p>Mollie received her suitor with a gracious -smile, as it was perfectly evident that she admired -Mr. Barclugh (for in spite of his despicable -secret mission he was worthy of better things) -and the two very soon were on their way, gayly -cantering down the avenue of hemlocks.</p> - -<p>The afternoon was one of those sere, autumn -days in late October. The sun shone through -a hazy smoke and the air was crisp and bracing. -The smoke curled out of the chimneys, lazily -ascending, loath to leave the environment of its -former condition in the fireplace; but the calm -atmosphere allowed the ethereal vapor to hover -about the old chimney and house and to fill the -hemlocks with a pungent incense.</p> - -<p>This pungency of the smoky atmosphere oppressed -Barclugh but to Mollie it was like a sweet -odor. She rattled off small-talk, as, aglow with -her buoyant spirits, she rode her prancing bay.</p> - -<p>Barclugh never had such a task to perform -as now confronted him. To broach the subject -nearest his heart would cast a gloom over the one -whom he loved better than his own life. As -he rode closely to the side of his companion, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span> -could feel his heart throb violently, and as he -sat stolidly in his saddle, between his monosyllabic -answers to Mollie’s gayety, he thought:</p> - -<p>“What ails you, old soul? Are you losing -the power of speech? What a pity to molest the -happy life of such a perfect being! But we are -selfish. Yes; her life must be linked with mine. -She can make me a better man. Is it something -in the poise of her head? is it something in the -way that she rides her horse? No, it is what -she thinks, her unconscious nobility of soul, -that enthralls me.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Barclugh, let us take a spurt on -this fine stretch of road. My Prince is chafing -for a dash,” suggested Mollie as she looked up -into her companion’s face, who evidently was -in a reverie.</p> - -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Barclugh, somewhat -startled. “Let’s go!” So he spurred his horse -and as if by magic the two finely-bred steeds -responded to the spirit of their riders and leaped -into the air for a brush.</p> - -<p>Barclugh at once was on his mettle. To be -challenged for a race by the one whom he adored -was the tonic needed for his soul. The somber -spell that depressed him was gone as he turned -and saw Mollie urge on her steed. She was a -daring horse-woman; her mount was peerless.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span> -Barclugh felt the blood mount to his hair as Mollie -came up and rode past and smiled roguishly -at her lover as she distanced him.</p> - -<p>Mollie reined in and turned around with her -face full of animation as she asked spiritedly:</p> - -<p>“How’s that for my Prince, Mr. Barclugh?”</p> - -<p>“Splendid! splendid!” exclaimed Barclugh in -admiration of the restless steed and the aristocratic -form of Mollie, who, breathing fast, glanced at -her whip with which she struck her habit, for -she intuitively felt the ardor of Barclugh’s gaze -and the blood mounted to her cheeks.</p> - -<p>Here was the moment for Barclugh to ask the -question uppermost in his mind. But he did -not. The power to encroach upon the sacred -precincts of the innermost soul of the one whom -a refined nature loves is like admiring the rose -and then tearing up the roots that give it being. -A refined nature pauses at desecration.</p> - -<p>Barclugh had offered himself, and Mollie -had asked a month to answer. The gnawings -at a man’s heart often lead him through labyrinths -of impatience and indiscretion that are hard to -untangle and bring him into paths that are serene -and pure. But on the other hand, it often happens -that the woman withholds her answer to -a man’s avowal because she must satisfy the -questionings of a heart that needs more than a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span> -mere avowal to convince her that the man is -sincere and thoroughly in earnest.</p> - -<p>However, the exhilaration of the gallop with -Mollie had cleared the cobwebs from Barclugh’s -brain. He looked upon Mollie as magnificently -noble and pure. She would certainly answer -him at the end of the month and if then she -could not declare herself, he would know that -some further proof of his devotion must be made.</p> - -<p>“Yet after all of the fine calculations that one -can make,” thought he, “love thrives without -reason.”</p> - -<p>Their way now lay through a wooded glen. -The horses stepped smartly and pranced proudly -as their nostrils extended out of their classic -heads.</p> - -<p>“How beautiful this day!” exclaimed Mollie -with enthusiasm. “I rejoice to be here!” as -she stroked the arched neck of her steed with her -shapely gloved hand. Mollie rode her horse as -though she were mistress of the situation. Her -feminine intuition told her that her lover was -craving to declare his devotion, but she would -have despised him for it. She knew that the -ground on which she trod was sacred until the -four weeks had passed. Yet she was fearful -lest the promise to Segwuna could not be kept. -Her party was to be held in two days and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span> -was to dance in the minuet with Mr. Barclugh. -She was satisfied as things were.</p> - -<p>“What makes you so happy and beautiful -this evening, Miss Mollie?” ventured Barclugh -at last.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know,” replied Mollie archly.</p> - -<p>“May I guess?” queried Barclugh after some -reflection.</p> - -<p>“Don’t guess. I don’t like guessing,” retorted -Mollie impatiently.</p> - -<p>“But you <i>will</i> allow me this time?” returned -Barclugh in his most dulcet tones.</p> - -<p>“No; I can not,” replied Mollie, as she spurred -her horse and started on a canter, Barclugh -following her lead.</p> - -<p>“Look! Mr. Barclugh, there is the Delaware!” -exclaimed Mollie as she pointed toward a broad -expanse of the river, at the same time looking -at Barclugh with a roguish twinkle in her eyes.</p> - -<p>“Confound those four weeks,” thought Barclugh; -then he said:</p> - -<p>“I don’t see so much in that to rave over. -I am interested in better views. I am interested -in you, just now.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense! Mr. Barclugh,” protested Mollie. -“You ought to have better sense,” while she -good-naturedly laughed at the evident discomfiture -of her lover.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span>Barclugh now colored, for he felt sheepish in his -awkward position. In another instant, however, -he smiled, himself, and they rode down the banks -of the Delaware discussing pleasantly the beauties -of the landscape.</p> - -<p>Barclugh recognized the fact that the fates -were against him and he concluded that the -better part of valor was to wait for a more propitious -time. However, something within told -him that the present was his opportunity, for -he thought:</p> - -<p>“He who hesitates is lost.”</p> - -<p>The road now took them over the Wingohocking -as the crimson setting of the sun shone over -the rippling water and the autumnal hues of the -landscape mellowed the disappointment in his -breast.</p> - -<p>When the avenue of hemlocks at Dorminghurst -was passed and he led Mollie from her horse -up to the portico, Miss Mollie smiled more than -graciously as she said:</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Barclugh, I shall depend upon -you at my party for the minuet.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Miss Greydon,” replied Barclugh, -bowing very low, “but don’t forget that I shall -claim my answer in another week.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXVI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">We next</span> find Segwuna in New York. She -was well acquainted with the way thither, for she -had traversed it many times. While pursuing her -purpose in New York, Segwuna lived with a small -band of Iroquois on Staten Island.</p> - -<p>Segwuna found much favor among the ladies -of the English officers, for her skill as a prophetess -was already established.</p> - -<p>She now made it her particular business to call -often upon the ladies of General Clinton and -General Knypthausen; and, also, upon Major -Andre in his office, one afternoon, when the -principal business of the day was over.</p> - -<p>The offices of the Adjutant-General of the -British Army were at No. 1 Broadway, in one of -those old Dutch houses the entrance of which led -up a short flight of steps to a huge door having an -iron knocker.</p> - -<p>Dormer windows faced the street in the second -story, and the hip roof was covered with shingles -that were coated with moss and lichens,—evidences -of an ancient construction.</p> - -<p>When Segwuna rapped with the iron knocker on -the huge door, a red-coated English Sergeant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span> -opened it, and the prophetess modestly inquired:</p> - -<p>“Is Major Andre in?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Madam,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“May I see him?”</p> - -<p>“He is very busy,” returned the Sergeant. -“Will you give your name, and state your -business?”</p> - -<p>“Tell him that Segwuna, the Indian prophetess, -has news to tell him.”</p> - -<p>“Will you come in and be seated?” continued -the military man, who ushered her into the outer -office of the Adjutant-General.</p> - -<p>Segwuna went into the outer office and sat -down while the Sergeant rapped on the door of -the private office, and a voice within said:</p> - -<p>“Come in.”</p> - -<p>The Sergeant opened the door carefully and -walked up to the desk of the Adjutant-General -and stood at attention until Major Andre turned -from a letter on his desk and glanced up at the -soldier, who saluted:</p> - -<p>“What is it?” brusquely asked Andre.</p> - -<p>“A young Indian woman, who calls herself -Segwuna, the prophetess, wishes to bring you -news.”</p> - -<p>“Show her in, Sergeant Donovan,” ordered -Andre.</p> - -<p>The Sergeant went to the outer office, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span> -politely informed Segwuna:</p> - -<p>“The Adjutant says that he will see you, -Madam.”</p> - -<p>Segwuna tripped lightly to the door and entered -the presence of one of the most polished and handsome -gentlemen of the British army. Dressed -in the most fastidious manner, his young and -pleasing face shone out with an animated expression -of good-will as he arose and bowed gracefully -to Segwuna and said:</p> - -<p>“Be seated, Miss Segwuna. I have heard very -pleasing accounts of you from Madam Clinton. -Do you wish to tell me what my fate will be, this -evening?”</p> - -<p>He had heard the ladies of his acquaintance -raving over the wise and peculiar speeches of this -Indian maiden, and Major Andre thought that he -also ought to have something to relate.</p> - -<p>A weak point in the military composition of -Andre was his romantic and artistic disposition. -He loved the society of ladies. His graceful -manners and polished speech and writings gained -him friends among the ladies of his associates; but -his love of foibles and gossip led him into channels -that detracted from his military achievements.</p> - -<p>When Segwuna proposed to tell his fortune, he -yielded from the very constitution of his nature. -He desired to have a good tale to tell his lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span> -friends at the next dinner party, where he was sure -to be lionized.</p> - -<p>Segwuna simply replied to Major Andre’s -question, modestly:</p> - -<p>“Yes, Major Andre.”</p> - -<p>“I hope that I have no very bad omen in my -fortune, Miss Segwuna?” said Andre, quizzically.</p> - -<p>“Well, Segwuna shall have to tell you the truth, -Major Andre,” replied Segwuna soberly.</p> - -<p>“All right, do you believe that I am going to -succeed in my enterprise, Segwuna?” asked Andre, -bluntly.</p> - -<p>“That depends on the will of the Great Spirit, -Major Andre,” began Segwuna, as she started to -relate her account to the Adjutant-General.</p> - -<p>“Segwuna sees that something very momentous -to you and your cause is going to happen this moon. -The nature of your business concerns the fate of a -great fortress and a brave general. I can see the -general walking up and down the bank of a great -river, waiting to speak to you. He wants you to -come to him, but if you go to him, he is sure to -give you directions that will bring ruin to you.</p> - -<p>“These enterprises will require you to travel by -land and by water. If you keep on the water, you -will have no harm come to you, but beware of the -land.</p> - -<p>“The Great Spirit has been kind to you, but he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span> -does not love your cause. You are fighting -against the will of the Great Spirit when you try -to subdue the land to which he gave the Indian -corn. The Great Spirit hath decreed that every -man is to be his own master, and there is -to be no distinction between men, in the land -of the Indian’s corn. If the hunters starve, -the chiefs are to starve also.</p> - -<p>“I can see that you expect a letter of importance. -It is to be brought by a boat and a fisherman -from a distant city. The letter comes from a -gentleman that has your secrets. He writes -under a different name from his own.</p> - -<p>“There are many trials for you to pass through -during the next moon, and if you leave the city -on a journey to the general walking on the banks -of the great river, you shall lose your life.”</p> - -<p>Segwuna paused and said no more.</p> - -<p>Andre sat as though fixed to his chair. His -thoughts were afar off. The words of the Indian -maiden seemed to stun him, and confound his -understanding. He started to rise and to speak, -but he sat down again, turned away and began -to think.</p> - -<p>At last he regained enough presence of mind -to state to Segwuna:</p> - -<p>“I am profoundly impressed with what you say. -I shall be pleased to consult you again. I hope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span> -that I shall reward you sufficiently by giving -you this small token of my esteem,” as he arose -and held out in his hand a guinea for Segwuna -to accept.</p> - -<p>Segwuna arose and declined the proffer of the -gold by declaring with dignity:</p> - -<p>“I thank you, Mr. Andre, but the Great Spirit -hath no token of worth, except His bounteous -love and kindness.”</p> - -<p>Major Andre could say nothing. He was -dumbfounded. He simply bowed Segwuna out, -overwhelmed by the startling revelations made by -this sagacious Indian prophetess.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXVII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Major Andre</span> went back to his desk, and sat -down for serious reflection.</p> - -<p>He reasoned with himself:</p> - -<p>“Here was a picture of Arnold and Barclugh. -How did this simple Indian maiden get such -knowledge of my secret affairs? She can have -no means of gaining this knowledge. She is -simply inspired.”</p> - -<p>During the next week, Andre could not dispel -the visions of Segwuna’s prophecy. He did not -dare to tell his friends, not even General Clinton, -for they would think him ridiculous. He was -naturally timid, and these words made him doubly -so. They made him hesitate more than once as to -what he ought to do. Whereas he was formerly -all enthusiasm about his plot with Arnold, he now -began to be doubtful and suspicious of his own -ability. The thought of the ire of the Great -Spirit of the Indian maiden being brought to bear -against the project that he had in hand worked -upon the fancy of Andre’s poetical nature and -unnerved him.</p> - -<p>However, the Commander-in-Chief, General -Clinton, had ordered Andre to carry out these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span> -plans of ensnaring Arnold and taking West -Point by bribery, for it had been through the -correspondence started by Andre himself, that -Arnold was led into correspondence with the -enemy. The whole plan had to carry or fall -by the exertions of Andre’s own skill.</p> - -<p>A letter was received by Major Andre at this -time which read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">Phila., August 20, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Sir: I have heard from Mr. P—— about the -arrangements to sell you the goods that you spoke -of in your last favor.</p> - -<p>“He has every detail arranged, but he must -meet you to make the contract in person. My -authority in the matter has now come to an end.</p> - -<p>“He is still of opinion that his first proposal -is by no means unreasonable, and makes no -doubt, when he has a conference with you, that -you will close with it. He expects when you -meet that you will be fully authorized from your -house; that the risks and profits of the co-partnership -might be fully and clearly understood.</p> - -<p>“I am in behalf of Messrs. M—— and Co.</p> - -<p><span class="gap">“Sir, Your Obedt. & Hble. Servant,</span></p> - -<p class="right">“<i>Gustavus</i>.</p> - -<p>“Mr. John Anderson, Merchant.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>John Anderson answered the above letter. -Then, a few days thereafter, information was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span> -received from Gustavus, agreeing to meet him at -any convenient point, if he, John Anderson, would -make his way to the American outposts above -White Plains; that he would be secure under -the protection of Colonel Sheldon, who was -prepared to meet him.</p> - -<p>Arnold had informed Colonel Sheldon that a -person was to come from New York, to the -latter’s quarters, whom he desired to meet for -the purpose of establishing a channel of secret -intelligence with New York.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, Colonel Sheldon received the following -letter, which was so uncertain and enigmatical -that Colonel Sheldon despatched it at once -to General Arnold:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“New York, September 7, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Sir:</p> - -<p>“I am told my name is made known to you -and that I may hope your indulgence in permitting -me to meet a friend near your outposts. I will -endeavor to go out with a flag, which will be sent -to Dobb’s Ferry on Monday next, the 11th instant, -at twelve o’clock, where I shall be happy to meet -Mr. G——. Should I not be allowed to go, -the officer who is to command the escort, between -whom and myself no distinction need be made, -can speak on the affair. Let me entreat you, -sir, to favor a matter so interesting to the parties<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span> -concerned, and which is of so private a nature -that the public on neither side can be injured -by it.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) John Anderson.”</p> - -<p>To Colonel Sheldon,<br /> -<span class="gap">Salem.</span></p></blockquote> - -<p>Sheldon was confused by the mention of an -officer taking the place of John Anderson, and -therefore sent the letter to Arnold, who tried -to explain the mysticisms in the letter to Colonel -Sheldon as best he could; and replied that he -would meet the flag and the gentleman himself -at Dobb’s Ferry.</p> - -<p>Arnold also instructed his subordinate that if -he did not meet John Anderson, by any mishap, -word must be sent to headquarters of the -arrival of the gentleman within the lines, and that -John Anderson must be sent to his headquarters -with an escort of two or three horsemen.</p> - -<p>Arnold went down the river in his barge as -far as King’s Ferry on the afternoon of the 10th -instant, and remained over night at the house -of Joshua H. Smith, who resided near the Ferry.</p> - -<p>Early on the morning of the 11th instant, -Arnold proceeded by barge to Dobb’s Ferry for -the purpose of meeting Andre. An accident -prevented the interview. As Arnold was approaching -the destination, his barge was fired upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span> -by British gunboats and pursued closely enough -to endanger his life and possibly result in his -capture.</p> - -<p>He landed, therefore, on the west or opposite -side of the river to Dobb’s Ferry, and went down -to the ferry landing, where he remained till night, -hoping to see Andre. At all events, he failed -to have a meeting on this journey.</p> - -<p>The astonishing forecast of Segwuna had made -Andre over-cautious and timid. He did not choose -to hazard his mission by land to Colonel Sheldon. -He chose the safer communication by water. -He went to Dobb’s Ferry with Colonel Beverly -Robinson, and looked for Arnold to come in his -barge, but the firing upon the barge makes clear -why Arnold did not get to the rendezvous.</p> - -<p>The timidity of Andre now explains the ultimate -failure of the plot. Arnold was obliged to explain -his public journey down the Hudson, by writing -to General Washington to the effect that guard -boats and signal lights were necessary precautions -to warn the country of the approach of the enemy -up the river.</p> - -<p>The object of Segwuna’s visit to New York -had been accomplished. She had intimidated -Major Andre, and foiled the treachery of Arnold. -If the interview as first planned at Dobb’s Ferry -had taken place the recital of subsequent events<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[381]</a></span> -would have been unnecessary.</p> - -<p>Now complications arose. Every fresh move -that Arnold made required explanations as to -the movements of John Anderson. A second -attempt to have Andre meet with him by means -of the overland route was not considered favorably -by Andre. He would not attempt to meet Arnold, -except under the pretense of an exchange of flags.</p> - -<p>The only way for General Arnold to successfully -accomplish his treachery was to meet Major -Andre personally, plan the surrender of West -Point and have his emoluments and rewards -guaranteed. He depended upon such a meeting -and was bold enough himself, but his first attempt -at Dobb’s Ferry was empty of results and he was -now thrown into cautious movements. He had -to explain to the Commander-in-Chief about -his public trip down the river; and the fact that -he had been fired upon and pursued by the enemy’s -gunboats gave notoriety to his whereabouts. -The failure of the Dobb’s Ferry interview must -rest upon Andre, for Arnold was truly bold -and fearless in his approach within the enemy’s -lines; Andre must have been intimidated by the -warning of Segwuna.</p> - -<p>Arnold returned to his headquarters from -Dobb’s Ferry disappointed and nonplussed. He -wrote from Robinson House at once to Major Andre:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[382]</a></span>“I have no confidant here. I have made one -too many already who has prevented some profitable -speculations.”</p> - -<p>Arnold’s anxiety for a meeting was now only -exceeded by that of the British, after the first -failure; so Arnold stated that he would send a -trusty person to the east side of Dobb’s Ferry, -Wednesday evening, September 20th, who would -conduct Major Andre to a place of safety where -a meeting between the principals could be held -without fear.</p> - -<p>Arnold added:</p> - -<p>“It will be necessary for you to be in disguise. -I cannot be more explicit at present. Meet me -if possible. You may rest assured that, if there -is no danger in passing your lines, you will be -perfectly safe where I propose a meeting.”</p> - -<p>The letter was signed Gustavus and addressed -to John Anderson, Merchant.</p> - -<p>However, before these instructions reached -Major Andre by Arnold’s secret messengers, -the British General Clinton became very anxious -and dispatched the Sloop-of-War Vulture on -the scene, with an emissary on board in the person -of Colonel Beverly Robinson, who was now in -the secret of the negotiations. He had also -accompanied Andre to Dobb’s Ferry when Arnold’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[383]</a></span> -barge had been fired upon. The Vulture proceeded -to Teller’s Point within view of the American -lines for the purpose of awaiting developments.</p> - -<p>The unexpected, however, always happens -to hinder schemes. General Washington came -on a tour of inspection, at this juncture, and crossed -the Hudson at King’s Ferry in full view of the -Vulture soon after her arrival.</p> - -<p>General Arnold came down, of course, from -his headquarters, Robinson House, to meet the -Commander-in-Chief in order to throw off any -suspicions surrounding his movements.</p> - -<p>Washington and his suite crossed in Arnold’s -barge and as the Commander viewed the Vulture -through his glass and turned and spoke to his -suite in whispers it was noticed and commented -upon, subsequently, that Arnold blanched and -showed much concern.</p> - -<p>While still in the boat, Marquis de la Fayette -turned to General Arnold and with a desire to -get information of the whereabouts of the French -fleet under Guichen, now approaching American -waters, and with no suspicions whatever upon -Arnold, pleasantly requested:</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, since you have a correspondence -with the enemy, you must ascertain as soon -as possible what has become of Guichen.”</p> - -<p>Arnold immediately colored up and demanded:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[384]</a></span>“Marquis de la Fayette, what do you mean by -asking me such a question?”</p> - -<p>The question of Arnold was surprising and -uncalled for and he quickly recovered himself.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for him, the boat was nearing -shore and the anxiety to land interrupted the -incident. Arnold imagined that his scheme was -detected and that he was to be captured in the -boat.</p> - -<p>Arnold went to Peekskill with Washington -and his party. The next day Washington went -to Hartford to meet the French Commander -and Arnold returned to West Point in his barge.</p> - -<p>The British now desired to get into direct -communication with Arnold through Colonel -Robinson on the Vulture. Finesse had to be -used to deceive the watchful post-commanders -on the Hudson under the command of Arnold. -So, under the protection of a flag of truce from -the Vulture, Colonel Robinson sent a letter to -General Arnold asking the military to protect -his property since he had learned that his home -was to be confiscated by the State of New York -for his defection to the British cause.</p> - -<p>General Arnold submitted the letter to his -Commander at Fishkill and in consequence -General Washington did not approve of the -proposal to have an interview with the enemy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[385]</a></span> -concerning a purely legal affair.</p> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief informed Arnold:</p> - -<p>“Such a conference would afford grounds -for suspicion in the minds of some people and -I advise you to avoid it; the subject in which -Colonel Robinson is interested does not come -within the powers of a military officer and the -Civil Government of the State is the only authority -to which he can properly apply.”</p> - -<p>Arnold now used the name of Washington to -answer Robinson’s letter. He, therefore, despatched -a boat openly to the Vulture, under an -officer and a flag.</p> - -<p>Here came Arnold’s opportunity to give the -British all the information that he desired. The -answer was in two letters,—one sealed within the -other. The outer one gave Washington’s reply. -The inner one stated secretly that he would send -on the night of the 20th a person to Dobb’s -Ferry, or on board the Vulture. This person -would be furnished with a boat and a flag of truce. -He wished that the Vulture remain where she was -until the messenger reached her. The postscript -of the letter said:</p> - -<p>“I expect General Washington to lodge here -on Saturday night next, and I will lay before -him every matter you may wish to communicate.”</p> - -<p>The inside one also contained a copy of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[386]</a></span> -letter heretofore sent to Andre to meet his messenger -on the east side of Dobb’s Ferry on the -evening of September 20th. This was the 19th, -and the three letters were despatched at once -to General Clinton in New York.</p> - -<p>September 20th, Major Andre, having received -Arnold’s letters, pressed on to the Vulture and -arrived at seven o’clock in the evening instead of -remaining at Dobb’s Ferry as at first proposed.</p> - -<p>Andre was all expectancy when he arrived on -board the sloop-of-war. He waited for Arnold -or his messenger, all night. The next day he -wrote General Clinton that he had made a second -appointment with no results. The interview -must be very soon or suspicions would be aroused -to upset the whole plan.</p> - -<p>A ruse was now invented by Major Andre -to acquaint Arnold of his whereabouts. Some -parties had shown a flag of truce on shore to the -Vulture and a boat was sent to communicate with -them. When a boat with a flag from the Vulture -approached the shore it was fired upon from -ambush. This violation of the usage of warfare -was a subject for remonstrance. Therefore, a -letter was sent to General Arnold by Captain -Sutherland of the Vulture, claiming usage against -the code of civilized nations at war. The letter -was in the handwriting of Andre and signed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[387]</a></span> -“John Anderson, Secretary.” Here was the -information sought. Arnold immediately set -about the plan to bring Major Andre ashore for -an interview.</p> - -<p>Joshua Hett Smith lived about two miles below -Stony Point, near the mouth of Haverstraw -Creek. He had boats and boatmen. He was -a confidant of Arnold and was engaged, upon -various occasions, to enter the enemy’s lines for -the Commander of West Point.</p> - -<p>Arnold’s plan was finally fixed. He went -to Smith’s house and sent two boatmen with -Smith to bring a gentleman, named John Anderson, -from the Vulture to a point four miles below -Smith’s house, to a lonely spot on the banks of -the Hudson, in the darkness of midnight.</p> - -<p>Arnold had provided Smith with three papers -signed by himself.</p> - -<p>When the boat started from the mouth of -Haverstraw Creek it was past eleven o’clock and -the night was serene. The boat sped along -undiscovered until the lookout on the Vulture -hailed and ordered the men alongside. Smith -mounted the side and was immediately ordered -below.</p> - -<p>There he met Captain Sutherland and Colonel -Robinson. The latter he knew personally, for -Robinson had been his neighbor on the Hudson.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[388]</a></span> -Smith handed over the papers from Arnold. -The cunning displayed by Arnold was portrayed -in these documents. Shielding himself from detection -he secretly intimated his desire to meet -Major Andre.</p> - -<p>The first letter addressed to Colonel Robinson -was as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Headquarters, Robinson House,<br /> -“September 21, 1780.</p> - -<p>“This will be delivered to you by Mr. Smith -who will conduct you to a place of safety. Neither -Mr. Smith nor any other person shall be made -acquainted with your proposals. If they (which -I doubt not) are of such nature that I can officially -take notice of them I shall do it with pleasure. -I take it for granted that Colonel Robinson will -not propose anything that is not for the interest -of the United States as well as himself.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>The next letter was to deceive the guard boats, -many of which were stationed along the Hudson -to intercept commerce with the enemy.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Headquarters, Robinson House,<br /> -“September 21, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Permit Mr. Joshua Smith to go to Dobb’s -Ferry with three men and a boy in a boat with -a flag, to carry some letters of a private nature -for a gentleman in New York, and to return<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[389]</a></span> -immediately, he having permission to go at such -hours and times as the tide and his business -suit.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>The third one conveyed the knowledge secretly -that Arnold wanted Major Andre to meet him -on shore.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Headquarters, Robinson House,<br /> -“September 21, 1780.</p> - -<p>“This grants permission to Joshua Smith, -Mr. John Anderson and two servants to pass -and repass the guards at King’s Ferry, at all -times.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>When the papers had been examined in the -cabin of the Vulture, Colonel Robinson excused -himself and returned in a little while with a gentleman -whom he introduced to Smith as Mr. John -Anderson. Smith and Anderson entered the boat -and were rowed to the point of rendezvous -arranged by Arnold with Smith. Arnold, concealed -in the shadow of the cliff, lay near -the river bank anxious for the boat to return -with Major Andre. The exact spot had been -agreed upon.</p> - -<p>When the boat, which was heavy and cumbersome, -at length arrived, Smith scrambled up the -bank and found Arnold in the bushes. Smith<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[390]</a></span> -returned and conducted Mr. Anderson to the -spot. Arnold requested Smith to leave them -to conduct their conversation privately.</p> - -<p>Arnold looked around to be sure that Smith -was out of hearing when he extended his hand -to Major Andre, remarking in a subdued and -resigned tone:</p> - -<p>“At last, Major Andre, my hour of deliverance -has come! I hope no difficulties stand in the -way of our plans.”</p> - -<p>Andre was more than eager for the exploit,—he -was rashly anxious. His voice showed evident -emotion when he said:</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, we stand ready to carry -out our part. Can you surrender West Point?”</p> - -<p>“I am able to surrender to your forces the stronghold -of our hopes, and end the war for the mother -country. It will be a blessing to my countrymen -and an everlasting benefit to the kingdom of -Great Britain. But, sir, how am I to be sure -that the promise made me by Roderick Barclugh -will be carried out?” was the reply given the -question of Andre.</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, I am the authorized representative -of His Britannic Majesty and for your -services to the King you are to be paid twenty -thousand pounds sterling, part of which has already -been advanced by Mr. Barclugh, and you are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[391]</a></span> -to receive a commission as Brigadier-General -in His Majesty’s service. These emoluments -are dependent upon your accomplishment of your -own proposals.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all correct, Major Andre,” returned -Arnold, “but how am I to realize these terms -if by chance you were to be killed or I was to be -detected in this business? My only safety is in -having the whole matter drawn up in the form of a -writing.”</p> - -<p>“But we cannot do such things here in the dark, -General Arnold. You had better defer too much -formality for the sake of safety. You are dealing -with gentlemen,” argued Andre.</p> - -<p>“But governments have no gratitude,” retorted -Arnold, smarting under his experience with -Congress.</p> - -<p>“Yet, how can we write in these bushes?” -continued Andre. “I cannot see my hand. -I propose to get back to the ship from here.”</p> - -<p>“There is no use for haste in our conclusions -in this matter,” argued Arnold. “I have to -submit to you the plans of the works at West -Point, the disposal of the garrison, the time of -the attack and how you shall approach. I have -brought an extra horse and you can ride with -me to the house of Mr. Smith. I shall guarantee -you protection and safety in returning to your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[392]</a></span> -lines.”</p> - -<p>Andre understood what it meant to prepare -for the details of this enterprise and at last he -reluctantly consented to go within the American -outposts as he said:</p> - -<p>“I shall rely upon you as a gentleman to convey -me in safety to my lines. My commander has -instructed me not to enter your posts; but since -you insist upon an agreement in writing, I shall -have to comply with your plans.”</p> - -<p>“Major Andre, you need not say these words -to me. I have been driven to this course by the -relentless attacks of those for whom I have done -the most. My heart went out at first to my -country, but now it has turned to stone. No -gratitude was shown me. I needed money and -from whom did I get it? I got it from my country’s -enemies. I needed sympathy for my wounds. -From whom did I get it? Not from my countrymen. -I needed encouragement to go out and -win more glory for our cause. Where did I get -it? Not from my country. Bah! These very -mountains taunt me for being a fool! My die -is cast and I am with you heart and soul. We -must succeed.”</p> - -<p>“You speak nobly, General Arnold,” insisted -Andre. “I am drawn to you irretrievably and -I am willing to run my risks along with yours.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[393]</a></span> -I shall follow you even though my life were -in the balance.”</p> - -<p>At this juncture the conversation was interrupted -by the appearance of Smith from the boat, -who said:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I believe that your time is drawing -near to daylight and I must leave this situation -with the boat. We must not be discovered in -this position by the guards.”</p> - -<p>These words decided the case. When Arnold -and Andre realized their position and when -Smith informed them that the boatmen had -refused to return to the Vulture for fear of detection, -both of the conspirators mounted horses -and started for Smith’s house, which was four -miles distant by the road through Haverstraw -village.</p> - -<p>Smith and the boatmen went by water to Haverstraw -Creek, where the boat was moored. At -his house Smith met Arnold and Mr. Anderson -who had already arrived just at daylight.</p> - -<p>The three took breakfast together, since the -family of Joshua Smith had been previously -taken, by arrangements made beforehand, to -visit with their kinsfolk, the family of Colonel -Hay at Fishkill.</p> - -<p>During the morning, in a room overlooking -Haverstraw Bay, Andre and Arnold secretly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[394]</a></span> -concluded the plans. Andre made the agreement -in writing with Arnold, and Arnold gave to Andre -a detailed description of the redoubts at West -Point and continued with a plan of attack for -a bloodless English victory.</p> - -<p>But again the hand of Providence brings about -unexpected events. While these dealings were -concluding, they heard the booming of cannon -and saw the Vulture drop down stream out of -range of the battery posted by Colonel Livingston -to drive off the enemy’s ship.</p> - -<p>Much concern now came over the principals -in this drama. Arnold reassured Andre by -stating that Mr. Smith would convey him by -boat or land through the American lines. Passports -from the Commanding-General would insure -safe convoy through the district under Arnold -and then when Andre reached the British outposts -he could manage himself.</p> - -<p>Providing Major Andre with three passes -to meet all possible contingencies, as he thought, -and leaving him in the hands of Mr. Smith -as Mr. John Anderson, Arnold returned in his -barge soon after nine o’clock that morning, -to his headquarters to await the results of his -treachery.</p> - -<p>Following are the passes provided for the -return of John Anderson, in Arnold’s own handwriting:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[395]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">“Headquarters, Robinson House,<br /> -“September 22, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Joshua Smith has permission to pass with -a boat and three hands and a flag to Dobb’s -Ferry on public business and to return immediately.</p> - - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="right">“Headquarters, Robinson House,<br /> -“September 22, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Joshua Smith has permission to pass the -guards to White Plains and to return, he being -on public business.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="right">“Headquarters, Robinson House,<br /> -“September 22, 1780.</p> - -<p>“Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards -to the White Plains, or below, if he chooses, -he being on public business by my direction.</p> - -<p class="right">“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”</p></blockquote> -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Andre passed the day in hiding, awaiting -impatiently for darkness to come that he might -be returned to the Vulture. But the more Andre -insisted, the more opposed Smith grew to the -route by boat. However, Smith won his point -for reasons not entirely logical, and after Andre -had exchanged his officer’s red coat for one of -Smith’s, and had wrapped himself up in a great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[396]</a></span> -military coat with a cape, the two set out on -horseback, a little before sunset, accompanied by -a negro servant belonging to Smith.</p> - -<p>The route lay across the Hudson at King’s -Ferry from Stony Point to Verplanck’s Point. -The party, after stopping over the first night, -proceeded successfully until they reached Pine -Bridge on the Croton River where Smith left -Andre to pursue his own course through the -neutral country.</p> - -<p>Smith now returned to Robinson House and -reported to General Arnold where he had left -Mr. Anderson. Arnold seemed to be more than -pleased with the progress events were making -at this report. He felt sure of Andre reaching -King’s Bridge.</p> - -<p>When Andre left Smith he also felt assured -of his success, for he rode boldly along until -he was near Tarrytown.</p> - -<p>Here he was accosted by three men dressed in -the uniform of British soldiers.</p> - -<p>Their story is best told in their own words. -Paulding, one of the three, said, when relating -the capture:</p> - -<p>“Myself, Isaac VanWart, and David Williams -were lying by the side of the road about half a -mile above Tarrytown, and about fifteen miles -above King’s Bridge, on Saturday morning,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[397]</a></span> -the 23rd of September. We had lain there -about an hour and a half, as near as I can recollect, -and saw several persons we were acquainted -with, whom we let pass. Presently one of the -young men who were with me said:</p> - -<p>“‘There comes a gentleman-like looking man, -who appears to be well-dressed and has boots -on, and whom you had better step out and stop, -if you don’t know him.’</p> - -<p>“On that I got up and presented my fire-lock -at the breast of the person and told him to stand, -and then I asked him which way he was going.</p> - -<p>“‘Gentlemen,’ said he, ‘I hope you belong -to our party.’</p> - -<p>“I asked him:</p> - -<p>“‘What party?’</p> - -<p>“He said: ‘The lower party.’</p> - -<p>“Upon that I told him:</p> - -<p>“‘I do.’</p> - -<p>“Then he said: ‘I am a British officer out of -the country on particular business, and I hope -you will not detain me a minute.’</p> - -<p>“To show that he was a British officer, he pulled -out his watch, upon which I told him to dismount.</p> - -<p>“He then said:</p> - -<p>“‘My God, I must do anything to get along.’</p> - -<p>“He seemed to make a kind of laugh of it -and pulled out General Arnold’s pass, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[398]</a></span> -was to John Anderson to pass all guards to White -Plains and below. Upon that he dismounted -and said:</p> - -<p>“‘Gentlemen, you had best let me go or you -will bring yourselves into trouble, for your stopping -me will detain the General’s business. I am -going to Dobb’s Ferry to meet a person there -and get intelligence for General Arnold.’</p> - -<p>“Upon that I told him I hoped he would -not be offended, that we did not mean to take -anything from him; and I told him there were -many bad people going along the road, and I -did not know but perhaps he might be one.”</p> - -<p>Paulding stated:</p> - -<p>“If Andre had not declared himself a British -officer, when he produced General Arnold’s -pass I would have let him go. However, when -he pulled out his watch my suspicions were -further aroused.”</p> - -<p>The three volunteers searched Andre, and -David Williams, one of the party, relates this -part of the story most minutely:</p> - -<p>“We took him into the bushes,” said Williams, -“and ordered him to pull off his clothes, which -he did; but on searching him narrowly we could -not find any sort of writings. We told him to -pull off his boots which he seemed to be indifferent -about, but we got one boot off and searched in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[399]</a></span> -that boot and could find nothing. But we found -there were some papers in the bottom of his -stocking next to his foot, on which we made him -pull his stocking off and found three papers -wrapped up. Mr. Paulding looked at the papers -and said he was a spy. We then made him pull -off his other boot, and there were found three -more papers at the bottom of his foot within -his stocking.</p> - -<p>“Upon this we made him dress himself and I -asked him:</p> - -<p>“‘What will you give us to let you go?’</p> - -<p>“He said:</p> - -<p>“‘I will give you any sum of money.’</p> - -<p>“I asked him:</p> - -<p>“‘Will you give us your horse, your saddle, -bridle, watch and one hundred guineas?’</p> - -<p>“He said:</p> - -<p>“‘Yes, and I will direct them to any place, -even this very spot, so that you can get them.’</p> - -<p>“I asked him:</p> - -<p>“‘Will you not give us more?’</p> - -<p>“He said:</p> - -<p>“‘I will give you any quantity of dry goods -or any sum of money, and bring it to any place -that you pitch upon, so that you may get it.’</p> - -<p>“Mr. Paulding answered:</p> - -<p>“‘No, if you would give us ten thousand guineas,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[400]</a></span> -you should not stir one step.’</p> - -<p>“I then asked the person who called himself -John Anderson:</p> - -<p>“‘If it lay in your power, would you not get -away?’</p> - -<p>“He answered:</p> - -<p>“‘Yes, I would.’</p> - -<p>“I told him:</p> - -<p>“‘I do not intend that you shall.’</p> - -<p>“While taking him along to the nearest post, -we asked him a few questions, and we stopped -under a shade. He begged us not to question -him and said:</p> - -<p>“‘When I come to any Commander I will -reveal all.’”</p> - -<p>Andre and all of the papers found on him were -taken to North Castle and turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel -Jameson.</p> - -<p>Jameson unwittingly sent Andre immediately -under a guard toward Arnold’s headquarters, -and despatched a note with the officer in charge -of the escort, to Arnold, stating that a certain -John Anderson was taken on his way to New -York. He also stated that certain papers found -in his stockings and which were of “a very dangerous -tendency,” had been forwarded to General -Washington.</p> - -<p>The mistake made by Lieutenant-Colonel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[401]</a></span> -Jameson was discovered by Major Tallmadge, -next in command, when the Major returned to -North Castle in the evening and heard the story -of the capture. Jameson was convinced of his -mistake in sending the prisoner but he would -not listen to the idea of not informing Arnold, -his Commanding General, of what had happened. -He did not suspect his superior in the least.</p> - -<p>However, a messenger was despatched to overtake -the escort and to order the prisoner back -to North Castle, but to still forward the message -to Arnold’s headquarters. The fate of Arnold -now seemed problematical. But a chain of circumstances -favored the traitor.</p> - -<p>Andre was ordered back and sent to Salem under -Major Tallmadge. A messenger was sent with -the guilty papers to intercept General Washington, -now on his way to West Point from Hartford, -and the first messenger was riding toward Robinson -House to inform Arnold of the capture of John -Anderson and the papers.</p> - -<p>General Washington missed the messenger -because he returned on the road north of the one -on which the messenger was sent.</p> - -<p>On the morning when Washington was due -at Robinson House to breakfast with Arnold, -two of the aides-de-camp of the Commander-in-Chief -were sent ahead to inform General Arnold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[402]</a></span> -that the General was delayed because he wished -to inspect the redoubts across from West Point, -and not to wait breakfast. General Arnold -then sat down to breakfast with Mrs. Arnold and -the two aides.</p> - -<p>During the progress of the meal a messenger -arrived and presented the Jameson despatches -to General Arnold.</p> - -<p>Arnold read them and excused himself from -the table without a sign of excitement. He went -to Mrs. Arnold’s chamber and ordered a servant -to call Mrs. Arnold. When she came to him, -he hurriedly explained that his life depended -upon escape. She swooned in his presence -and he left her prostrate on the floor.</p> - -<p>He went to the dining-room and stated to -the aides:</p> - -<p>“I have to go to West Point and prepare for -the arrival of the General.”</p> - -<p>He then hurriedly mounted a horse of one of -the aides and dashed to the landing where his -barge was moored. Then ordering his men to -row with all their might, as he drew his pistols -and sat in the stern, he sped past the guard boats -with a flag and reached the British Sloop-of-War -Vulture, fifteen miles below Robinson House.</p> - -<p>After introducing himself, he surrendered the -innocent boatmen to the British Commander and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[403]</a></span> -wrote a letter to General Washington asking -mercy for his wife.</p> - -<p>After General Washington had inspected the -redoubts opposite West Point, he went with his -suite to Robinson House. Upon their arrival -they were informed that General Arnold had -been hurriedly called to West Point. Washington -ate his breakfast and started with all of his staff -except Colonel Hamilton. They took a barge -across the Hudson to the forts.</p> - -<p>As Washington stood in the barge viewing the -highlands about him, he said:</p> - -<p>“Well, gentlemen, I am glad on the whole, -that General Arnold has gone before us, for we -shall now have a salute and the roaring of the -cannon will have a fine effect among these -mountains.”</p> - -<p>When no cannon was heard and they saw nobody -astir among the garrison, Washington exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“What! Do they not intend to salute us?”</p> - -<p>The General and his party landed and found -no one to greet them except the Commandant, -Colonel Lamb, who was very much surprised -to see his distinguished visitors.</p> - -<p>Washington addressed him:</p> - -<p>“How is this, sir? Is not General Arnold -here?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir,” replied the Commandant, “he has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[404]</a></span> -not been here these two days, nor have I heard -from him within that time.”</p> - -<p>“This is extraordinary,” continued Washington. -“We were told that he crossed the river and that -we should find him here. However, our visit -must not be in vain. Since we have come, although -unexpectedly, we must look around a little and -see in what shape things are with you.”</p> - -<p>When the forts and redoubts had been visited -and the garrison inspected, Washington and his -party returned to the barge and recrossed to the -Robinson House.</p> - -<p>The letters and papers that had been forwarded -by Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson to General Washington -had followed the Commander-in-Chief -on the road to Hartford until it was learned that -the General had returned to West Point by the -upper road. Then the express retraced his -steps to Robinson House.</p> - -<p>Colonel Hamilton was alone at Arnold’s headquarters -when the incriminating papers arrived -and immediately opened the despatches in the -absence of his chief at West Point. Here were -the papers found in Andre’s stockings and a -letter from Andre to Washington disclosing his -true character as Adjutant-General of the British -army and relating his entry within the American -lines, his departure therefrom in disguise and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[405]</a></span> -his capture.</p> - -<p>Upon the landing of General Washington and -his staff at the Robinson House from West -Point, Colonel Hamilton was seen to walk briskly -toward them, and when he spoke to Washington -in an undertone, they retired quickly together -into the house.</p> - -<p>Here lay the exposure of the whole plot when -the papers were perused by Washington, but -too late to entrap the traitor. Arnold had gone -over to the enemy and had made his escape to -the Vulture. Andre was a prisoner at Salem -and had written a confession of the part that -he had played.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Arnold had been left ignominiously by -the traitor, her husband, and in her distraction -she wept and raved alternately and accused -General Washington and Colonel Hamilton, when -they sought to console her, with a plot to murder -her child. Her lamentations were pitiable and -heart-rending in the agony of her despair. She -clasped her child to her breast as she stood in -the doorway of her chamber, hair dishevelled, -as she hurled the bitterness of a woman’s tongue -against those who, history tells us, held nothing -but the deepest sympathy for her misfortune.</p> - -<p>At last Mrs. Arnold returned to her father’s -home in Philadelphia and remained there until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[406]</a></span> -the Council of Philadelphia passed a resolution, -October 29th, as follows:</p> - -<p>“Resolved:—that the said Margaret Arnold -depart this state within fourteen days from the -date hereof, and that she do not return again -during the continuance of the present war.”</p> - -<p>Major Andre was conducted under guard, -to the vicinity of the Continental Army at Tappan. -He was there tried by a Court of Enquiry composed -of six Major-Generals and eight Brigadiers, -found guilty as a spy and condemned to be -executed.</p> - -<p>Arnold and General Clinton attempted to save -Andre’s life on the ground that he had Arnold’s -pass. But as the pass was issued to John Anderson -it was void when applied to Major Andre.</p> - -<p>Credit must be given Andre, however, that -he did not seek justification, personally, during -his trial for his acts under a flag or pass from -Arnold. He was reconciled to his fate and died -as a brave and honorable officer, dressed in the -full uniform of the Adjutant-General of the -British Army, at Tappan, October 2, 1780.</p> - -<p>When Segwuna heard of the capture of Major -Andre and the exposure and flight of Benedict -Arnold, she thanked the Great Spirit for the -fulfillment of her prayers. She did not exult -in the downfall of the participants in this attempted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[407]</a></span> -crime against her native land, but she thanked -the Great Spirit for the exposure of their perfidy -and dishonesty. She now could explain to her -friends the part that was played by Barclugh -in this nefarious undertaking and if, then, her -duty had not been performed she could not help -it.</p> - -<p>At the first announcement in New York about -the capture of Andre and the flight of Arnold, -Segwuna lost no time in retracing her steps to -Philadelphia.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[408]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXVIII</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">“You</span> have been very quiet these past few -weeks, Miss Mollie. What has been the matter? -We have not seen you,” contended Miss Sallie -Redman, when she greeted Mollie at the Greydons’ -party.</p> - -<p>The old mansion at Dorminghurst was brilliantly -illuminated and the guests were fast arriving -in carriages, and passing up one side of the double -staircase and down the other.</p> - -<p>People were beginning to come to Philadelphia -for the autumn session of Congress. The French -army had landed at Newport, and the French -fleet was fitting out for a demonstration against -New York or against some other stronghold of -the English. Enthusiasm among the Whigs was -running high. The Tories were beginning to -look with more favor upon independence. The -French minister M. de la Luzerne was the popular -lion of the hour, and anywhere that he was invited -was sure to be thronged with the dignitaries of -a new nation.</p> - -<p>The Greydons began the social season for the -purpose of preparing society for the early announcement -of the engagement between Roderick Barclugh<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[409]</a></span> -and their daughter. When the invitations -were first issued, the purpose was to announce -the engagement at this time, but Mollie would -not yet give her consent to Barclugh. Dr. Greydon -could see no reason, but Mollie was waiting -to see Segwuna. However, Dr. Greydon consulted -with his wife and decided that if the announcement -of the engagement could not be -made, a social function at Dorminghurst at -present would crystallize the enthusiasm of -the Whigs and bring the counsellors of the nation -together for an exchange of ideas and sentiments.</p> - -<p>Mollie received with her mother and Dr. -Greydon when the guests came into the reception -room. She was beaming with good-nature but -when she saw Roderick Barclugh approaching -with the brilliant and haughty Miss Bessie Shippen -on his arm the color rose to her cheeks as Barclugh -shook Mollie’s hand and lingered long enough -to say:</p> - -<p>“You charm me with your beauty and happiness -this evening.”</p> - -<p>Miss Shippen shook the hand of Mollie with -hauteur and looked at her gown with indifference; -and when she and Barclugh passed on through -the crowded rooms, she remarked bitterly:</p> - -<p>“I do not see why that young Quakeress turns -the men so crazy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[410]</a></span>“Because she has sense, beauty and no guile -in her heart,” retorted Barclugh snappily.</p> - -<p>Miss Shippen exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Ah, that is it!”</p> - -<p>The Shippens, the Redmans, and the Chews -were there among the chief representatives of -the Tory sentiment. They congregated in groups -by themselves and seemed to feel that their -sentiments were not popular, when they saw -the brilliant assemblage of Whigs from every -state, conversing about the topics of the hour.</p> - -<p>General Schuyler from New York was talking -to M. de la Luzerne, the French minister, about -the campaign, spiritedly:</p> - -<p>“This arrival of the French troops and the -fleet at Newport has given us new life, M. de la -Luzerne,” explained General Schuyler. “General -Washington has gone to Hartford to meet Count -de Rochambeau. Our committee expect to hear -from him at West Point on his return. The -campaign is expected to take on an active turn -if Clinton moves out of New York,” concluded -the General.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, General Schuyler,” returned -the French minister suavely. “By the way, -General, did I ever tell you how Arnold wanted -to borrow money from me on account of his -importance and influence in affairs?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[411]</a></span>“Why, no. Do tell it,” insisted the General.</p> - -<p>“This is strictly <i>entre nous</i>, General,” related -the minister. “Arnold wanted a loan from the -French government and I quickly told him: -‘You desire of me a service which would be easy -for me to render, but which would degrade us -both. When the envoy of a foreign power gives, -or if you will, lends money, it is in order to corrupt -those who receive it, and to make them the creatures -of the sovereign whom he serves; or rather, -he corrupts without persuading; he buys and does -not secure. But the firm league entered into -between the King and the United States is the -work of justice and the wisest policy. It has -for its basis a reciprocal interest and good-will. -In the mission, with which I am charged, my -true glory consists in fulfilling it without intrigue -or cabal, without resorting to any secret practices, -and by the force alone of the conditions of the -alliance,’” concluded M. Luzerne.</p> - -<p>“Bravo, bravo, M. Luzerne. That Arnold -has given our committee much concern and -trouble. He is a brilliant leader, but he has no -sense of propriety or diplomacy,” asserted General -Schuyler, who left the minister as he seemed to -be holding a small reception of his own,—so many -people pressed around him to say a word about -the arrival of the French troops and fleet.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[412]</a></span>The music and dancing were going on in the -large rooms across the great hallway from the -reception room. Mollie was there holding court, -entertaining a group of the younger men with -her brilliant repartee.</p> - -<p>Family representatives of the members of -Congress from the South were there;—each family -coming in an equipage of its own.</p> - -<p>The minuet was danced in its stateliest fashion; -Miss Greydon and Roderick Barclugh, Sally -Chew and Mr. Carroll, Miss Hancock and Mr. -Custis, Miss Schuyler and Richard Henry Lee, -formed the set. As the music swelled in rhythmic -measure, the richly gowned mademoiselles and -the bachelors, scions of the most distinguished -families, tiptoed and curtsied through the sinuous -changes of the dance, to the entire approbation -of the critical assemblage.</p> - -<p>Mollie was showered with attentions and compliments, -some even going as far as to hint slyly -at the attentions of Roderick Barclugh. Mr. -Livingston of New York saw the minuet and -noticed Roderick Barclugh dancing with the -daughter of the host. He turned to Charles -Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, and asked:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Thomson, who is this gentleman, Mr. -Barclugh? I have heard his name, but I never -saw him before. Where does he come from to us?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[413]</a></span>Mr. Thomson, who was always very reserved, -replied quietly:</p> - -<p>“He was introduced to us by a letter from -Benjamin Franklin, who in turn was asked to -give him the letter by the French Monarch.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Livingston then remarked:</p> - -<p>“Well, the French Secretary must then know -his antecedents. Ah, here is M. Marbois. We’ll -ask him.”</p> - -<p>“M. Marbois, do you know who this gentleman, -Roderick Barclugh, is?” questioned Mr. Livingston.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the Secretary pleasantly. “He -is the second son of Sir George Barclugh, who -resided, when living, upon his estates in England. -I have heard that he has been engaged in secret -missions of diplomacy. But I do not know what -interest brings him to Philadelphia.”</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t matter,” continued the member -of Congress. “I have understood that he is -paying attentions to Miss Greydon. I was anxious -to know his antecedents.”</p> - -<p>When this conversation was taking place between -the French Secretary and Mr. Livingston, -General Schuyler went over to the latter gentleman -and touched him on the arm. The General -was deathly pale and immediately the two went -to a remote part of the house and held a hurried -consultation.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[414]</a></span>“Mr. Livingston,” said the General. “The -news has just reached the city that General -Arnold has gone over to the enemy and Major -Andre, Adjutant-General of the British Army, -is a prisoner in the hands of General Washington, -and that our cause has just escaped a terrible -calamity.”</p> - -<p>“What!” exclaimed Livingston. “Has Arnold -gone over to the enemy? And you and I had -just pleaded with the Commander to give him -West Point! What did he attempt to do?” -questioned Livingston excitedly.</p> - -<p>“Why, he planned to surrender West Point,” -answered the General.</p> - -<p>“Is it possible?” cried Livingston. “We must -leave at once. We cannot tell what may happen, -or whom to trust.”</p> - -<p>The two members of the Committee on Military -Affairs of Congress hastily found the host and -gave the news to him and left for the city together.</p> - -<p>The news soon spread throughout the house, -and animated groups were collected, discussing -the news.</p> - -<p>Mollie was talking to Barclugh and Mrs. -White, the Rector’s wife, when Sally Milling -came up to the group and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Have you heard the news that has just reached -the city?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[415]</a></span>“No, what is it?” asked the other three, almost -in unison.</p> - -<p>“Why, General Arnold has gone over to the -enemy, and Major Andre is a prisoner in the -hands of General Washington, and a plot has -been unearthed to surrender West Point to the -British!”</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh stood as though stricken -with paralysis. His face became ashen white. -He tried to speak but his voice failed him.</p> - -<p>Mollie Greydon and the other two ladies looked -at Barclugh for an instant and then Mollie stepped -toward him as she asked:</p> - -<p>“What is the matter, Mr. Barclugh? Are you -ill?”</p> - -<p>“No, no. It is nothing,” muttered Barclugh. -“You will excuse me, ladies. I had better -retire.”</p> - -<p>Roderick Barclugh went to the table where -refreshments were served and after partaking -of a glass of punch, he sought his hostess and -Miss Mollie, then left in his carriage for his lodgings.</p> - -<p>As soon as the Shippens heard the news they -retired precipitately, for the information was -too crushing to wait for any formalities.</p> - -<p>Nothing could exceed the excitement that ran -through the large and brilliant assemblage at -the Greydons’. Even the music and the minuet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[416]</a></span> -could not keep the guests from a discussion of -all the Arnold family troubles for the past two -years. Everybody was so astounded that a gloom -was cast over the social pleasures of the evening. -At last a general leave-taking was in order and -the last carriage rolled down the avenue of hemlocks -at half past twelve o’clock.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[417]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXIX</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the party was over, Dr. Greydon went -up to Mollie and taking her by the hands, said:</p> - -<p>“Mollie, my child, you looked your best to-night. -I felt very proud. Now, you must take your -rest. The excitement of this evening has been -very hard for you.”</p> - -<p>“Very true, papa dear, but can you not let -us talk over a few of the events of the evening? -That is the best part of an evening affair,—to -talk over what people said and what happened,” -contended Mollie, when she sat down to rehearse -the evening’s events in girlish fashion.</p> - -<p>“What a pity it was that the news arrived about -General Arnold just in the midst of the gayest -part of the evening,” continued Mollie bubbling -over with the animation of youth. “What a fine -minuet Mr. Barclugh can dance! I was more -than delighted! But did you see how pale he -became when he heard about General Arnold? -And did you see how the Shippens took the news? -It was awful! Well, everybody will remember -this party from the tragic episodes caused by the -Arnold treason!”</p> - -<p>“Now, there, there, Mollie, you are too much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[418]</a></span> -worked up. You must give yourself rest and -repose for we can not tell what the morrow will -bring forth in these stirring times,” insisted Dr. -Greydon, as he went up to Mollie and took -her by both hands and kissed her.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mollie, you must have rest,” reiterated -her mother, as Mollie went to her and kissed her -good-night.</p> - -<p>But no sooner had Mollie departed than very -serious matters presented themselves for discussion -between Dr. Greydon and his wife about their -only daughter.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon arose and taking his wife by the -hand, said in his most tender tones:</p> - -<p>“Martha, my dear, we have astounding revelations -to discuss, and I wish that you would come -into my office and there go over the matter with -me.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, William,” assented Mrs. Greydon. -“I hope that it is not very bad news,” she continued -as she took Dr. Greydon’s arm and both went -to the office in the south elevation of the quadrangle -of buildings.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon led the way to the office and -conducted his wife to a large easy-chair, when -he sat down at his desk and began to discuss -the important matters on his mind.</p> - -<p>“My dear Martha, our Segwuna returned from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[419]</a></span> -New York to-night and came to my office. She -brought me the news about General Arnold and -Major Andre. She also informed me that our -Mr. Barclugh has been the secret agent of the -British in Philadelphia, and has been in secret -communication with General Clinton for the -purpose of carrying out Arnold’s plot,—the surrender -of West Point to the enemy.”</p> - -<p>“What! Mr. Barclugh, the agent of the British!” -exclaimed Mrs. Greydon.</p> - -<p>“Yes, the <i>agent</i> of the British! He had offered -General Arnold twenty thousand pounds sterling -and a Brigadier-Generalship in the English -army.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, what perfidy,” cried Mrs. Greydon. -“How does Segwuna know these things?”</p> - -<p>“She followed Mr. Barclugh to New York -and saw him with Major Andre and General -Clinton. She learned much while nursing him -during his case of the <i>peste</i>; and finally she went -to New York and interviewed Major Andre, -who showed his concern at what Segwuna knew -of the plot.</p> - -<p>“Segwuna brought the news of the failure of -the plot to me to-night. I did not mention it -because I wished to have the news confirmed -and I did not wish to spoil Mollie’s party.</p> - -<p>“Now, dear Martha, what shall I do about the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[420]</a></span> -affair for Mollie’s sake?”</p> - -<p>“I would first be sure that the story of Segwuna -is true. If it is true, I have no fears about what -Mollie herself would say,” contended Mrs. Greydon -in her practical way. “Mollie has not yet -consented to marry Mr. Barclugh. She informed -me so this morning. She promised Segwuna -not to do so until her return.”</p> - -<p>“God bless Segwuna!” exclaimed Dr. Greydon. -“Our daughter is safe from the disgrace of this -affair.”</p> - -<p>“My advice, William,” argued Mrs. Greydon, -“is to go to Mr. Barclugh and ask him if these -statements are true. If he loves our daughter -he will tell the truth. If he tells the truth and -admits his guilt, on account of our daughter’s -love for him we will save him from exposure.”</p> - -<p>“But how will our Mollie take this affair? -I believe that she loves Mr. Barclugh,” asked -Dr. Greydon.</p> - -<p>“There can be but one way for Mollie,” insisted -her mother. “I will explain all to Mollie in the -morning. You can see Segwuna and question -her further and then we will have it decided in -your office to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, Martha,” concluded Dr. Greydon. -“We must not continue this discussion -longer to-night,” as he offered his arm to Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[421]</a></span> -Greydon, and conducted her to her apartments -and fondly kissed her good-night.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The next morning Segwuna met Dr. Greydon -in his office at nine o’clock.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon questioned the Indian maiden -at length about the plot, and she told the story -precisely as before.</p> - -<p>Mollie, with evidences of severe weeping and -intense mental anguish written upon every line -of her face, entered her father’s office with her -mother. She at once ran to Segwuna and embraced -her and said:</p> - -<p>“My Segwuna, you did all of this for me. How -shall I ever repay you? How sorry I am for -Mrs. Arnold. I might now have been placed -in a similar position.”</p> - -<p>“My dearest Mollie,” began Dr. Greydon -tenderly. “How do you feel about Mr. Barclugh’s -proposal for my daughter’s hand?”</p> - -<p>“Father,” answered Mollie firmly, “I can -never love the enemies of my country, especially -those who fight her institutions by means of -subterfuge and corruption. My love has been -shocked. He knew my patriotism and he encouraged -it; but he hoped to win me and bind -me by the holy ties of marriage. My heart is -broken. I can never consent, if he is an enemy.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[422]</a></span>“But, father, do not expose him. It would -cost him his life and I know he loves me. Spare -his life for my sake.”</p> - -<p>These words settled the matter to the evident -satisfaction of both Dr. Greydon and Segwuna.</p> - -<p>Mollie and her mother left the office for the -other part of the house, and the Doctor and -Segwuna took the carriage for Philadelphia and -Roderick Barclugh’s office.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon walked into the office of Roderick -Barclugh and confronted him when he was busy -with his clerk in the outer room.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh,” began Dr. Greydon. “May -I see you privately?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” replied Barclugh, as he led the -way to his private office and left Segwuna in the -outer room.</p> - -<p>“I understand, sir,” said Dr. Greydon, sternly, -“that you have been the secret agent of the British -in our midst, you, who have asked my daughter -for marriage. Now, sir, is that statement true?”</p> - -<p>“By what authority do you make those statements, -Dr. Greydon?” parried Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“I ask you as a gentleman, Mr. Barclugh, -who has extended the courtesies of his home -to you, to answer a direct question.”</p> - -<p>“But you would not ask me to incriminate -myself, Dr. Greydon?” replied Barclugh hesitatingly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[423]</a></span>“No, sir. If you are guilty, for the sake of -my daughter’s former love for you, you may -leave our country. If you insist on not answering -I shall let you be apprehended,” insisted Dr. -Greydon.</p> - -<p>“But what proofs have you that I am concerned -in this affair?” asked Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Dr. Greydon stepped to the door and called -Segwuna to their presence, as he asked her:</p> - -<p>“Segwuna, what proof have you that Mr. -Barclugh is concerned in this treason?”</p> - -<p>Segwuna took from the inner pocket of her -waist and placed in Dr. Greydon’s hands the -envelope containing the letter brought to Roderick -Barclugh by the Swedish fisherman.</p> - -<p>“That is sufficient,” exclaimed Barclugh, “I -am the arch-conspirator, Doctor Greydon. I -am at your mercy. I have been unjust to ask -your daughter in marriage. If you allow me to -escape with my life, I shall return to England -and teach my countrymen that Americans can -not be corrupted. I will do more for the cause -of your country than armies or alliances. I -owe my life to you and I pledge myself to do a -duty that I owe to a true American gentleman. -I will try to convince my government of the justice -of your cause.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[424]</a></span>Turning to Segwuna, Barclugh said:</p> - -<p>“You saved my life, Segwuna, and you also -foiled my plot. The loss of that letter during -my illness made us too cautious in dealing with -Arnold. We knew that some one had the information -and we were fearful of entering the -American lines since some one knew our scheme.”</p> - -<p>“It was not I,” returned Segwuna, “Mr. -Barclugh, that foiled your plot. It was the Great -Spirit that laid you low with the <i>peste</i> and put -the correspondence into my hands. God hates -a corruptionist.”</p> - -<p>Barclugh fled at once upon the retirement -of Segwuna and Dr. Greydon from his office. -He precipitately left on the sloop of the faithful -Swedes with all the ready money that he had.</p> - -<p>He reached New York and went to General -Clinton.</p> - -<p>General Clinton withdrew from the Beekman -House when the news of the execution of Major -Andre reached him. He now lived at Number 1 -Broadway, where he could be in constant touch -with the stirring affairs of his command since -the death of his beloved Andre.</p> - -<p>Arnold came to New York and took up his -quarters at the King’s Arms Tavern, Number 9 -Broadway. Here he lived and entertained -the belief that the British cause was invincible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[425]</a></span> -He began plans to bring success to the royal -arms.</p> - -<p>He prepared and issued an address, “To the -Inhabitants of America,” a long and labored -article justifying his treachery. Then, a few -days thereafter, he issued a proclamation entitled, -“To the officers and soldiers of the Continental -army who have the real interests of their country -at heart and who are determined to be no longer -the dupes of Congress or of France.” It was -simply an offer of bribery to the Americans to -desert their cause; but there were no responses. -A few loyalists rallied around his standard,—those -who were seeking officers’ positions in the -British army. His mercenary spirit was expressed -in this appeal.</p> - -<p>In the midst of these circumstances, Roderick -Barclugh arrived from Philadelphia. His first -sight when he walked into the King’s Arms -Tavern was that of General Arnold pacing up -and down before the fireplace in the tap-room.</p> - -<p>Arnold looked up and beheld with astonishment -the tall and athletic form of Barclugh. Until -now Arnold never had quaked before mortal -man; but when the piercing glance of Barclugh -met his gaze, a culprit shivering like a whipped -dog was all that stood before Barclugh.</p> - -<p>Had the spirit of Washington appeared in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[426]</a></span> -path, Arnold could not have been more abject. -His tongue clove to the roof of his mouth. His -eyes lost all power of vision and rolled nervously, -as though hunted, in their sockets. Pitiable, -indeed, in his moral transgression, stood the man -once the pride of the patriot army, before one whose -only claim to distinction was the gold that he -could control.</p> - -<p>Barclugh was amazed at Arnold’s collapse. -He felt guilty and powerless, himself. The love -of Mollie Greydon had saved his life; he knew -that his gold could never have done so. Yet -Barclugh felt that he must not relinquish his -power over the traitor, so he addressed him -harshly:</p> - -<p>“You have ruined us all, Arnold. I am thankful -to be here alive. The stain of Andre’s blood -will always remain upon your escutcheon.”</p> - -<p>The traitor, nervous and guilty, looked around -the tap-room, and whispered into Barclugh’s -ear:</p> - -<p>“We better discuss our matters more privately.”</p> - -<p>Arnold now led the way to his chamber and -there the two faced each other.</p> - -<p>Arnold began anxiously:</p> - -<p>“Barclugh, have you heard of my wife and -child?”</p> - -<p>“No news, Arnold,” replied the financier.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[427]</a></span>“Well, what is to become of her? I am dying -by inches from anxiety. I would be willing to -give up all for her safety,” wailed the traitor.</p> - -<p>“Cheer up, don’t whine about losses from your -unfulfilled contract,” continued Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“What! do I not even get my money?” exclaimed -Arnold.</p> - -<p>“Not a farthing more, if I can help it,” retorted -the moneyed man.</p> - -<p>“How do you make that out?” asked the -General.</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s business.”</p> - -<p>“What’s business to do with an affair of honor?”</p> - -<p>“An affair of honor?” queried Barclugh. “You -left your honor behind when you accepted money -and agreed to perform your treachery and receive -the balance when the job was successfully done.”</p> - -<p>“But you see, Barclugh, I have the agreement -of Major Andre to cover just such an emergency -as this,” exclaimed Arnold as he struck with -exultation his breast pocket in which he had -his writing signed by Andre.</p> - -<p>“Well, that may or may not be so, Mr. Arnold. -You will now have to settle your bargain made with -Major Andre, with General Clinton. Major -Andre is dead. I represent the men of substance -and I am not at liberty to recklessly squander -their money in a way that is not warranted,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[428]</a></span> -contended the envoy of the Bank Governor.</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir,” concluded Arnold, who was -now aware of the cold blood of a financial agent -when the deal fell through. “We shall go to -General Clinton and have this matter settled. -I demand that you go with me. If I am not given -satisfaction for the sacrifices that I have undergone, -I will publish my agreement made with -Andre. The world will call you a pack of scoundrels, -to deceive an honest man.”</p> - -<p>“Scoundrels!” exclaimed Barclugh. “You better -ask what your friends will say as to that.”</p> - -<p>Arnold and Barclugh walked to the headquarters -of General Clinton, Number 1 Broadway. A -few steps took the two up the staircase to the -front entrance and then they were ushered into -the presence of the English Commander.</p> - -<p>None of the three men was in a humor to talk -very much, especially Barclugh. After an exchange -of formal greetings, General Arnold -commenced the discussion:</p> - -<p>“General Clinton, I must know where I stand -in my financial matters and in my official position -before Mr. Barclugh leaves.</p> - -<p>“Of course, you know I promised to turn -over West Point to your command and my compensation -was to have been twenty thousand -pounds sterling and a commission as Brigadier-General<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[429]</a></span> -in the British army, but the fortunes -of war have turned against us. I am here under -your protection with nothing to insure my recompense -except my compact with Major Andre.</p> - -<p>“General Clinton, shall I receive the recompense -due me or shall I be treated with ingratitude such -as I have received from the Colonial Congress?”</p> - -<p>“General Arnold,” replied Sir Henry Clinton, -“His Majesty’s government certainly shall not -dishonor its obligations, but we cannot be asked -to pay the full amount that was promised when -the transaction was entered into. For those -conditions depended upon the success of your -enterprise. We shall have to limit the payment -to ten thousand pounds sterling, less what has -been advanced to you by Mr. Barclugh. Mr. -Barclugh has already advanced you about four -thousand pounds, so that your balance will be -about six thousand pounds sterling.</p> - -<p>“You will receive a commission of Brvt. Brig. -General and its regular pay.</p> - -<p>“But, General Arnold, do you believe that we -can win our cause now that we have failed in our -enterprise against West Point?”</p> - -<p>“There can be no question in my mind,” -returned Arnold, now that he had been assured -of his allowance and his commission. “We can -raise a force and take West Point by regular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[430]</a></span> -attacks. I shall prepare plans and submit them -to you for approval.</p> - -<p>“Then,” continued Arnold, “the Colonies can -not hold out against the resources of Great Britain. -We must fight until the tide of victory turns our -way. We cannot afford to lose. We must win.”</p> - -<p>“What do you think about the situation, Mr. -Barclugh?” asked General Clinton, turning to -the special agent of His Majesty’s government, -graciously.</p> - -<p>Barclugh drew himself up to his full height -and said bitterly, for he felt that both of the men -before him had made a mess of his plans:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, if you want my candid opinion, -I am forced to say that you will not conquer the -American Colonists if you fight from now until -doomsday. They are simple, fearless people, -liberty-loving and self-sacrificing. They have no -need of money. They live next to nature and -fight and exist wholly within their own resources.</p> - -<p>“My mission to the Colonies has been made -utterly unsuccessful since our plot failed. One -cannot understand the temper of the people -until he has lived among them as I have. The -mothers and maidens, as well as the men, are -fighting for their land. There may be a few -malcontents among them, like our new friend here -(pointing over his shoulder with his thumb toward<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[431]</a></span> -Arnold), but they are only loud talkers and boasters, -and carry no weight.”</p> - -<p>Arnold scowled at Barclugh, and General -Clinton’s ire began to gather force when the -color mounted into his thick neck and his wine-flushed -face, as he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“What! do you mean to tell <i>me</i>, sir, that His -Majesty’s armies can never conquer the Colonies? -Impossible! Sir, impossible!”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I mean,” responded Barclugh -coolly.</p> - -<p>“Do you mean to imply, sir, that the forces -under the command of General and Sir Henry -Clinton, K. B., are not able to carry out the King’s -commands?” demanded General Clinton.</p> - -<p>“I mean,” replied Barclugh dryly, “that both -General and Sir Henry Clinton, K. B., are very -much deluded personages as to the task before -them.”</p> - -<p>General Clinton now turned and bowed to -Roderick Barclugh and, with lips firmly compressed, -said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Barclugh, I have done with your information. -I thank you.”</p> - -<p>Then Sir Henry remarked as he took Arnold’s -arm in his own:</p> - -<p>“General Arnold, we better retire.”</p> - -<p>The two generals, in oppressive silence, now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[432]</a></span> -turned their backs on Barclugh and stalked out -of the room.</p> - -<p>Barclugh stood and watched their departure. -He dropped his head in silent reflection. Raising -his eyes, the pent-up fire of an indignant soul -shone out of them. He said:</p> - -<p>“Let them go! The hirelings of kingly power -as I have been! They plan to flatter the King -and consider as a reward only the gold that they -receive.</p> - -<p>“It is well that kings have gold for their use. -For the bones that they throw to their dogs would -soon play out, unless the dry bones that are -rattled scare the whelps.</p> - -<p>“My mission has failed! Why? The Americans -are superior to the system that makes hirelings -of us all. No system of finance affects them. -They refused my gold. Mutual trust in each -other, as men, made their pieces of commissary -paper as useful as my gold. Of all the men -that I met, Arnold was the only one that I could -convince with an Englishman’s argument, pounds -sterling. American manhood is a product of -American soil. It has grown out of the forests -and the streams. It is incorruptible. If its -ideals are lost in the greed for gold, the debased -have to flee America and seek an asylum, like -Arnold, in the bosom of the Englishman where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[433]</a></span> -pounds sterling can outweigh character and -manhood.</p> - -<p>“I return to England. I give them back their -accursed gold, and show them that though Englishmen -may think like Warren Hastings, that the -souls of men are expressed in pounds sterling -according to their stations, yet in one place in -this world manhood stands above guineas, -and AMERICAN MANHOOD HAS NOT ITS -PRICE!”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[434]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XL</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">We now</span> come to the home affairs of Barclugh. -He returned to England after his interview in New -York.</p> - -<p>Arnold was not successful in his enterprises -after his failure to surrender West Point. He -ravaged towns in Connecticut and in Virginia, -as a British Brigadier, with fiendish delight, -and history tells us that he led anything but -a happy existence in England; and at last, died -in seclusion.</p> - -<p>“Unwept, unhonored and unsung.”</p> - -<p>Poor Andre! He was the victim of the ambition -of youth. His superiors depended on his -ability to do extraordinary things; however, his -nature was too guileless to cope with the daring -of a man like Arnold. He ought never to have -gone into the American lines. To have met -Arnold secretly again at their rendezvous would -have been an easy matter. His superior, Clinton, -gave him explicit instructions not to enter the -American outposts; but Arnold’s headlong rashness -led him into danger and he paid the penalty with -his life.</p> - -<p>Lord Carlisle, the British Commissioner, returned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[435]</a></span> -to England and history tells us that he -became Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland and -sank into oblivion. He and George Selwyn -were the prime movers in the plot, the purpose -of which was to get funds from government -with which to square the losses of Fox at the -gaming-table.</p> - -<p>Barclugh, however, though the main actor in -the plot to hold America within the sphere of -kingly and aristocratical government, was, by -his actual experience among the Americans of all -classes, convinced that their position was invincible -on the principles of free and representative government. -He could see that even though the British -were to get the seaports along the Atlantic and -hold them, the sturdy pioneers would retire into -the mountains and fight until exterminated. -Then the French Coalition gave England an -enemy in the front and rear. He could see the -end. He thought best to conclude the war, and, -at least, save the Canadas to the mother country.</p> - -<p>Convinced with these conclusions he went to -Mr. Prince, the Governor of the Bank of England, -and made his report. The principal arguments -were:</p> - -<p>“In the eight years of the war the population -increased nearly one million souls.</p> - -<p>“The British and Hessian soldiery desert<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[436]</a></span> -to take up free homes on the new lands of America.</p> - -<p>“The land is productive of every necessity -in abundance.</p> - -<p>“The Americans leave their plows to fight -one day and then return to them, to provide -subsistence the next.</p> - -<p>“Money appeals to very few of them. None -except a few merchants in the seaports care for -money. Merchandise receipts issued by the government -pass as legal tender.</p> - -<p>“Their depreciated currency does not affect -them. They have no banks. They all have -faith in their cause and in their ability to redeem -their obligations when the war ends. Therefore, -each one stands ready to sacrifice his life and -his substance for his principles.”</p> - -<p>When Mr. Prince received these tidings he -knew that they were reliable and he merely -concluded:</p> - -<p>“The war must stop before we lose all. But,” -he prophesied, “in less than one hundred years -hence, England will subdue the Americans with -her system of finance and her system of aristocratic -society. An Englishman’s title will not then -go begging in America.”</p> - -<p>When Lord George Germaine received the -report from the Governor of the Bank of England -and Lord North received it, and, at last, the King—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[437]</a></span> -inner circles of government were astounded.</p> - -<p>Following closely upon these events came -the news of Cornwallis’s surrender, and Lord -North made his famous exclamation:</p> - -<p>“O God! It is all over!”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[438]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XLI</h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Mollie Greydon</span> could not arise on the -morning after the interview between her father -and Roderick Barclugh. She sank into a low -fever and for two months she lingered between -life and death while being nursed by her faithful -friend, Segwuna. In her delirium she talked about -the Assembly at the French Ministers and oft -repeated:</p> - -<p>“The dance is the language of love.”</p> - -<p>Then she would see the horses galloping down -the road beside the Delaware where she outdistanced -Roderick Barclugh on her thoroughbred, -“Prince.”</p> - -<p>She would pass her hand over the bed-covering -and pat it with such a loving and gentle touch -as she said:</p> - -<p>“Noble Prince, noble Prince, you are such a -fine horse, Prince. If he does not love me, you -do, don’t you, Prince?</p> - -<p>“You were naughty, Prince, to run away from -him that day. If I had only let him say what was -in his heart that day, I would have been so happy. -Yes, I would have been so happy! so happy!” -And Mollie went to sleep from mere exhaustion.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[439]</a></span>Segwuna and Mollie’s mother were seated -beside her canopied bed and their eyes filled with -tears as they watched the darling of their hearts -suffering such anguish. It can come to one only -once in a lifetime.</p> - -<p>Many times Doctor Greydon and Mrs. Greydon -held lengthy consultations when the disease took -its insidious hold on the now wasted frame of -their beautiful daughter. It was such a delicate -thread that held all that was dear to them on -earth. The image of little Mollie, their only -darling child, as she gladdened their souls with -her childish prattle passed through their minds. -For hours at a time, they would sit and watch -silently at the bedside and in silence pray to the -One that knows the hearts of all: “to deliver from -our midst the Dread Messenger that hovers -over our child.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Greydon would sometimes tearfully say: -“William, maybe it was all for the best that -Mr. Barclugh came to us, for God can send him -back as a messenger from our Colonies and tell -the truth to our cousins beyond the sea. That -is what Segwuna says and she is almost endowed -with the intelligence of the supernatural.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, my dear, if Mr. Barclugh is the -gentleman that I think he will tell the truth, -and how our child would rejoice in any good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[440]</a></span> -that he could do for our country. I would give -almost any personal sacrifice if I could restore -my little Mollie to her strength. Yes, I would -give up my own life for hers,” and the great, -strong patriot turned his head and his voice -choked and the noble heart of the man was overcome -with his emotions.</p> - -<p>The long days and the longer nights of the vigil -for the dear one dragged along and along and -the father and the mother seemed to age perceptibly -under the strain. But Segwuna never -lost her hope. She would say in her sweet voice:</p> - -<p>“The Great Spirit of Segwuna’s fathers will -watch over our little one and bless her days with -happiness.”</p> - -<p>The malady had its course and one morning -Mollie awoke and said in a whisper, for she was -very weak:</p> - -<p>“Mama, where have I been?”</p> - -<p>“You have been sleeping sweetly, my dear,” -replied the mother softly:</p> - -<p>“Oh, I had such a sweet dream. I saw his -face, and he looked at me with such kindly eyes,” -came from Mollie as though an angel were speaking, -and she closed her eyes and smiled as though -she were an infant again.</p> - -<p>“God be praised,” whispered her mother. -“My darling girl may be saved.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">[441]</a></span>Now the days seemed brighter and the nights -shorter. Mollie began to gather strength. In -a week she was able to see her father and -talk to him for five minutes while she held his -hand in hers.</p> - -<p>In three weeks she was able to drive in the -carriage on mild days. But her heart seemed -heavy. She watched for the mail. She thought -that he could not have given her up without a -word. Weeks grew into months and the spring -came and the summer passed yet no word from -the one she knew was dearer to her than life.</p> - -<p>But on a bright day in October, nearly a year -from the time when Mollie was taken ill, a large, -brawny man approached the portico where Mollie -was seated, and raising his hat, he asked:</p> - -<p>“Is this Dorminghurst?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Mollie.</p> - -<p>“I have a letter here for Miss Greydon.” And -the hardened hand of the man placed a packet -in Mollie’s fingers.</p> - -<p>“Why, it is from Mr. Barclugh!” exclaimed -Mollie.</p> - -<p>“Where did you get it, sir?” asked Mollie.</p> - -<p>“I brought it from the inlet on the Jersey -coast. It came from New York by sloop,” -answered the man, who was one of the fishermen -Barclugh had employed when he fled.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">[442]</a></span>“Are there any fees, sir?”</p> - -<p>“None whatever. I was charged to deliver -it into the hands of Miss Mollie Greydon. I have -done so and my duty ends. Good day. I must -return,” was the short and unceremonious message -of the boatman and he left as mysteriously as -he came.</p> - -<p>But here it was, the word from Roderick -Barclugh at last: A large package emblazoned -with a crest and the motto standing out in strong -contrast:</p> - -<p class="center">“Post Nubes Lux”</p> - -<p>Mollie opened it with nervous hand and she -gazed at the bold handwriting of Roderick Barclugh -with an anxious face.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">Devon Court, Devonshire,<br /> -August 17, 178—</p> - -<p>“My dear Madam:</p> - -<p>“True to my pledge to your honored father -I have changed my attitude toward the Colonies. -Mostly from your precious lips I have learned to -love your country and the principles that they -are struggling to maintain. I am happy to inform -you that the Colonies will very soon be free and -independent States. The report that I have -made to my superiors is enclosed and the conclusion -has been made according to the information in -my report that a war of extermination is impracticable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">[443]</a></span> -and that England will honor the -Colonies to establish which she has contributed -the best blood in her realm and will wish them -Godspeed.</p> - -<p>“Now as to my part in the unfortunate drama -of Arnold’s treason I can only say: ‘Forget it -and forgive me.’</p> - -<p>“If it had succeeded my only desire was to share -with you the honors that I might have claimed.</p> - -<p>“My dear Madam, I love you with all my soul. -Your affection is more to me than my country, -my title, or even my life. If you would only -consent to be my wife I will go whithersoever -thou sayest or do whatsoever thou biddest. Be -mine and we will be forever happy.</p> - -<p>“Since my return to England my older brother -has died and the title has fallen to me. My -fortune is now ample and we can live quietly -on our estates. The world has little to attract -me outside of domestic happiness.</p> - -<p>“With the sentiments that I have always held -in my heart, and which no worldly conditions -can change, believe me to be</p> - -<p>“With sentiments of my tenderest love, your -faithful and obedient servant,</p> - -<p class="right">“Roderick Barclugh.</p> - -<p>“Miss Mollie Greydon,<br /> -<span class="gap">Dorminghurst, Penn., N. A.”</span></p></blockquote> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">[444]</a></span>As the motto on Barclugh’s seal says, “After -darkness there is light,” so Mollie read and re-read -his sweet words with increasing delight. Her soul -was athirst for what he said. But what would -papa say?</p> - -<p>After many family councils in the Doctor’s office, -at last Doctor Greydon gave his consent under -one condition, which was: that Roderick Barclugh -would come to America and take the ups and -downs of a common American and rear his -family as free American citizens.</p> - -<p>Mollie wrote her lover after she had time to -consider the meaning of it all, as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="right">Dorminghurst,<br /> -October 30, 178—</p> - -<p>“My dear Mr. Barclugh:</p> - -<p>“I regret that my words can not properly -convey my sentiments in support of your noble -acts in giving justice to our struggling Colonies. -My father feels grateful to you for what you -have done.</p> - -<p>“As to the part that you took in the drama -of war, our Segwuna says that you were a -messenger sent by the Great Spirit to learn the -truth about our people and to convey it across the -sea.</p> - -<p>“My feelings for you have always been of the -tenderest nature and I know that I could love and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">[445]</a></span> -honor you as your noble spirit deserves.</p> - -<p>“There is only one consideration that I can -ask before I pledge you my honor and my life:</p> - -<p>“My people left England to escape the perfidy -of aristocratical distinctions in society. If you -were plain Roderick Barclugh and could come -and live our simple life in America, my heart -would rejoice to be your bride. But for me to -return to England, a titled person, I would be -sacrificing the principles of three generations -of my forefathers and I should always feel guilty -of treachery to my dearest family ties. Thus it -would be a mistake to try to make me happy and -we had better bide apart although it would break -my heart.</p> - -<p>“But if you could come to America and we should -be wedded simply as Roderick Barclugh and -Mollie Greydon my heart would rejoice and I -am sure God would prosper us in our journey -through life.</p> - -<p>“With my tenderest affection and esteem,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="gapright">“As ever yours,</span><br /> - -“Mollie Greydon.</p> - -<p> -“Sir Roderick Barclugh, Bart,<br /> -<span class="gap">“Devon House,</span><br /> -<span class="gap2">“Devonshire, England.”</span></p></blockquote> - -<p>In the course of two months, Sir Roderick -Barclugh received the answer that Mollie penned,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446">[446]</a></span> -and when he read its contents, he kissed the -paper that held the precious words, and as soon -as the war closed, after Cornwallis’s surrender, -he immediately took steps to transfer his baronetcy -to his next of kin and made all arrangements to -wed Mollie Greydon in the following spring.</p> - -<p>He did not forget to do justice to Mrs. Arnold -and her children before he left England or resigned -his title.</p> - -<p>He secured a pension for Mrs. Arnold of three -hundred pounds sterling yearly and one hundred -pounds yearly for each of Arnold’s children. -He felt the responsibility for Arnold’s rash deed -to a very great degree.</p> - -<p>In the balmy days of June following, the -old mansion of Dorminghurst was gay with the -prospects of the wedding of its jewel.</p> - -<p>The old hemlocks seemed greener than ever -and the lover’s walk and the old mill had its -attractions for Mollie and Roderick in the prenuptial -days.</p> - -<p>The wedding was celebrated in high pomp -(for the Greydons had practically gone back -to the established church) by the Reverend Mr. -White, the Chaplain of Congress.</p> - -<p>The war was over and the people were united. -The drama of the strife was past. Peace and its -pursuits held sway.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">[447]</a></span>Roderick Barclugh and his bride emigrated -over the Alleghanies and took up lands in the -blue-grass region of Kentucky, where they lived -in happiness and contentment, rearing a large -family.</p> - -<p>Their love for fine horses brought the line of -thoroughbreds that distinguishes the soil of the -State of “the dark and bloody ground.”</p> - -<p>The descendants of the Barclughs have spread -throughout the valleys of the Ohio and the Mississippi, -and they have ever shone in the councils -of our nation, being noted for their integrity, -loyalty and patriotism.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="transnote"> - -<p class="ph2">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> -</div> - -<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 62181 ***</div> -</body> -</html> |